Justice Delivered: Doctor who was suspended following death of a cameraman has been reinstated,found NOT guilty!
The doctor who was under suspension following the death of a cameraman at Thiruvananthapuram’s General Hospital was reinstated in to service on Sunday. An expert committe found “no negligence” on the part of the doctor.
“The suspension has been revoked after an expert committee report stated there was no negligence on the part of the doctor in the death of the media person. This has been attested to by the post-mortem analysis report,” Director of Health Services-in-charge, Dr R Ramesh said.
After the government revoked the suspension, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) withdrew their agitation. The election boycott call on Monday by some doctors has also been withdrawn. Welcoming the decision, KGMOA state president Dr S Prameela Devi and secretary Dr Joseph Chacko said the authorities should provide better facilities in hospitals. An emergency meeting of the KGMOA held here on Sunday decided to withdraw all the agitations planned. They demanded better working conditions and facilities for offering better treatment to patients.
Last week
Cameraman Rejimon of the Mathrabhumi newspaper was admitted to the General Hospital following sudden onset of seizures. He was managed with general protocols for an acute seizure management. Adequate care was given, the CMO examined patient completely and suggested a Neurology consultation. As part of the acute care – injection Eptoin was given by the Dr. Ayehsa (attending doctor) to the patient. Unfortunately the patient collapsed and soon died.
The sudden death of the cameraman on Tuesday after he was admitted to the General Hospital kicked up a row between mediamen, Rejimon’s relatives and the doctors. The relatives alleged that Doctor has given a wrong injection and there was lapse in treatment. As a result of this local politicians intervened and ‘forced’ the doctor to be placed under suspension pending inquiry.
However, the KGMOA and the doctors fraternity had stated that the death was due to cerebral haemorrhage based on preliminary reports. The doctors in the district took mass leave on October 30 demanding that the suspension be revoked. They had claimed that they decided to hold an agitation as the doctor was suspended even without conducting a preliminary inquiry.
Justice Delivered. A good step forward!
The comprehensive investigation in the matter by the expert committee comes as a welcome move and relief for the doctors community who face uneccessary criticism and are often attacked by patient’s relatives and friends. Often times politicians and media sensationalize an issue without knowing the complete details. Going after the doctor in such a case is easy as they are soft targets. Dr. Ayesha’s suspension led to her colleagues going on a ‘flash strike’ as well as huge support across social media.
The reversal of the suspension is a great victory but once again a reminder that doctors are being victimized and strong action needs to be taken first by the central and state governments to ensure such incidents don’t take place. Only then can doctors work peacefully and without fear of being attacked to provide better patient care.
Original Post: The New Indian Express
Image Credits: Beacontn.org