FIR Against 11 Doctors Of GMC Nagpur for Medical Negligence

The Ajni Police have filed a FIR against the Dean of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and 10 other doctors for alleged medical negligence dating back to 2019. The incident involves the death of a female patient during a surgical procedure, provoking her family to accuse the doctors of negligence. Initially, the police did not take action, leading the family to seek recourse through the courts. Following the court's instructions, a case has been initiated against the 11 doctors, including the current Dean of GMCH, Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, who was previously the Head of the Department of Surgery at GMCH.

The individuals named in the FIR are: Dr. Bhupesh Tirpude, Dr. Hemant Bhanarkar, Dr. Wasudev Barsagde, Dr. Apurva Anand, Dr. Sushmita Sumer, Dr. Vikrant Akulwar, Dr. Gayatri Deshpande, Dr. Girish Kodape, Dr. Vidheya Tirpude, and Dr. Ganesh Kharkate. The complainant is a retired Superintendent of District Court, Kevalram Pandurang Patole.

The incident revolves around Patole's wife, Pushpa, who underwent surgery at GMCH on July 6, 2019, instead of the scheduled date of July 5, 2019. Following the surgery, her condition worsened, and she was moved to the ICU, where relatives claim they were denied access. Despite Patole's request to transfer his wife to another hospital, she passed away on July 8, 2019. Allegations of negligence provoked Patole to approach the Ajni Police, who initially did not take action. However, after a formal complaint in June 2020, a committee was formed to investigate the matter. Patole approached the Medical Education Ministry after the committee attributed the death to cardiac arrest.

Patole's persistence led to another complaint filed with the Ajni Police in April 2022, followed by a court intervention on May 2. Subsequently, the Ajni Police registered offences under Sections 201, 202, 301 (A), and 34 of the Indian Penal Code against the 11 doctors. When contacted, Dr. Raj Gajbhiye denied allegations of negligence, asserting that they provided the best possible care and constantly communicated with the patient's relatives. He also mentioned their willingness to conduct a post-mortem examination, which the family opposed.