SHRC Urges Criminal Action Against Doctor for Forcing Patient to Private Hospital
In a shocking incident, the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has recommended that the state government file a criminal case against a government doctor accused of refusing to treat a woman with severe burns and forcing her to seek care at a private hospital where he also practiced. The Commission further advised the immediate dismissal of the doctor from his government position.
The case came to light after the woman, who later died from her injuries, was allegedly denied medical care by the doctor. Instead, the doctor pressured her to be transferred to a private hospital, where he had a personal practice. The SHRC also recommended a substantial compensation of ₹50 lakh to the woman's husband for the wrongful actions. Out of this, ₹6 lakh is to be paid by the government, while ₹40 lakh is to be recovered directly from the doctor. Additionally, ₹2 lakh is to be recovered from a senior civil surgeon, and ₹1 lakh each from two nurses involved in facilitating the patient’s transfer.
This recommendation has sparked outrage, highlighting serious concerns over the abuse of power by medical professionals in government services and the need for strict accountability.