On Wednesday, physicians’ associations in Rajasthan and Delhi called for demonstrations after a gynaecologist at a private hospital in Dausa allegedly committed suicide after being charged with murder in the death of a pregnant woman during childbirth.
The Rajasthan branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a statement today demanding the state’s medical services be suspended for the next 24 hours. “IMA Rajasthan State calls for a 24 hour Medical Bandh and Protest Day on March 30, 2022 at 6 a.m. throughout Rajasthan State in response to the incident that occurred in Lalsot Dausa yesterday and the tragic death of Dr Archana Sharma,” according to an IMA notice.
It was also said, “In the state, all medical services will be closed for 24 hours. Members are encouraged to participate in the Rajasthan Protest Day. “
Meanwhile, resident physicians from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi have organised a symbolic protest to wear black ribbons “against the inhumane harassment of Dr Archana Sharma, which led to her death.”
The pregnant lady died in a private hospital, purportedly due to a postpartum haemorrhage during childbirth, and the state police filed a first information report (FIR) for murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code against Dr Archana Sharma at the Lalsot Police station.
Following this, Dr. Sharma allegedly committed suicide by hanging on March 29 inside a hospital room. According to police, a suicide note was discovered in her chambers. An FIR has been filed in the suicide case, and police have begun an investigation, according to Dausa Station House Officer Shankar Lal Meena.
Rajasthan Health Minister Parasadi Lal Meena said on Wednesday that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation into the event and take appropriate measures.
This is a tragic incident. A young doctor lost her life due to negligence. The police should not have registered the case under Section 302, as it is against the decision of the Supreme Court. The medical community is furious over the case, and it is completely valid. The government will take strict and appropriate action after a thorough enquiry into the case, “the minister said.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has written to the Rajasthan government, requesting a probe into the event, the immediate removal of the FIR, and compensation for Dr. Sharma’s family from the state government.
According to FORDA, “Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is a recognised consequence following delivery in pregnant women, and as per Supreme Court norms, a doctor cannot be accused of medical negligence in any such incidence without a full inquiry by an expert committee.”
