Shimla/Kullu: A doctors’ body has called for a fair, transparent and scientific investigation into the maternal death reported at the District Hospital in Kullu, while strongly condemning attempts to pressure the administration through protests and demands for immediate action against the treating doctor.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the association expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said every maternal death warrants a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact cause and identify any gaps in medical care.
The doctors maintained that allegations of medical negligence must be examined by an independent expert medical board and not decided under public or emotional pressure. They said medicine is not an exact science and an adverse outcome alone cannot be treated as proof of negligence.
Referring to Supreme Court principles governing medical negligence, the association said any allegation must first undergo expert peer review to distinguish a bona fide error of judgment from gross negligence. It added that medical professionals should not face coercive action without an independent expert opinion based on complete medical records.
The statement also expressed concern over reports that protesters entered the offices of the Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Superintendent, allegedly demanding the immediate suspension of the treating doctor. Such incidents, it said, create fear among healthcare workers, disrupt hospital functioning and undermine due process.
The association further questioned the effective implementation of laws meant to protect healthcare personnel and institutions from violence. It urged the district administration to maintain law and order, ensure the safety of healthcare workers and allow an impartial inquiry by a competent medical board.
The doctors’ body said accountability must be fixed wherever negligence is established, but stressed that no medical professional should be punished solely on the basis of public pressure. It added that justice should be guided by evidence, medical science and due process.
