After gynaecologist's suspension, Himachal doctors' body demands action over Kullu hospital protest

Shimla, July 1 (PTI) A day after a doctor was suspended over the death of a woman following delivery at a government hospital in Kullu, the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association on Wednesday sought legal action against those who allegedly mobilised a crowd at the hospital in the matter. Doctors and other health workers at the Regional Hospital staged a protest following the suspension of gynaecologist Dr Anu and also submitted a memorandum to the district administration raising concerns about the safety of hospital employees. Rajendra Kohli, President of the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association (Kullu), said that the staff members are deeply hurt by how the image of doctors and health workers is being portrayed on social media, where they are facing severe harassment. The doctor was suspended on Tuesday after two days of protest by the family and others against alleged negligence by hospital staff. They were pacified after the health department suspended the doctor and ordered an inquiry under the joint director to look into the complaint against a doctor and two nurses. According to the complaint by the family members of the deceased woman, Manju Sharma, the family members alleged inappropriate behaviour and lack of professional conduct; delay in providing medical attention to patients and unsatisfactory communication with patients and their attendants. On June 20, Sharma from Sunaru village near Bali Chowki in Mandi district was admitted for delivery. The attending doctor performed the delivery, but her condition deteriorated suddenly afterwards, according to relatives. Her family members have alleged that the hospital staff were informed about her deteriorating health, but a nurse dismissed it, claiming the woman was feigning distress. Alleging negligence by doctors and other staff, hundreds of people held a protest at the hospital on Monday and started an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday. A magisterial inquiry was also ordered into the case. Meanwhile, Kohli said that the gathering of a mob at the hospital by certain individuals could have led to a serious untoward incident, as they could have even assaulted doctors or health staff and the entire staff lived in fear and remained deeply concerned about their safety for two days. Therefore, the administration and police must take immediate legal action against those responsible for gathering the crowd, ensuring that officials and employees in the healthcare sector can perform their duties without fear. Dr Mahesh Kapoor of the Indian Medical Association said that the incident that occurred at Dhalpur Hospital was completely unacceptable. If such incidents continue to happen, how can doctors effectively perform their duties, he said. Meanwhile, Amita Paul, a staff nurse at Dhalpur Hospital, said that nine deliveries were conducted at the hospital on the very day Manju passed away. The staff nurses face an immense workload, yet they continue to care for their patients. PTI BPL APL APL