AMC-Mangaluru Clarifies on Corona Infection Death of Kalaburagi Man & Alleged Medical Negligence
Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) -Mangaluru chapter Clarifies on Corona Infection Death of Kalaburagi Man & Alleged Medical Negligence
Mangaluru: A 76-year-old Diabetic from Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) Karnataka became India’s first fatality following Corona (CoVID 19) virus infection, confirmed on 12 March 2020 by the Health Ministry. The family alleged Medical Negligence claiming denial of treatment both in Kalaburagi initially and Hyderabad later. The Ministry’s Press release clearly denied the allegations, as his family got him forcibly discharged against Medical Advise on both occasions, and even before the viral test report was ready initially.
Even with routine Medical treatment, allegations of Medical Negligence have been a knee jerk reaction to any unfortunate treatment outcome. This blame game without any basic inquiry by experts, not only demoralizes those working in difficult circumstances, but diverts from root cause analysis to improve.
Massive rise in these allegations over last two decades have led to Defensive Medicine, where focus of Doctors inadvertently shifts away from providing critical treatment, to avoid becoming a punching bag when recovery is not as expected. This is a huge concern even if the added treatment costs when Doctors “play safe” are ignored. Such a scenario has to be avoided all the more given the current Public Health Crisis.
Though a lot more still needs to be done, the Healthcare response to this outbreak in India has so far been prompt and comprehensive. The Outbreak that began in Wuhan China has infected 1,30,000 cases with about 5,000 killed worldwide, but India has less than 100 positive cases. WHO has finally declared this a Pandemic. Massive preventive measures have been issued by Central and State Governments to restrict entry from other countries and isolating suspected cases and their contacts who are already within. However, each one of us needs to support these efforts to contain any spread by following all Guidelines strictly, failing which no amount of efforts by Authorities will suffice.
We urge all members of public to desist from allegations and follow instructions issued in public interest. Even simple denial of information about suspects/exposed or spreading rumours and fear mongering may lead to legal penal action by Authorities under Epidemic Act or IPC. Collective benefit will outweigh individual ones during these difficult times. Together, we can fight this situation, and win.
Report submitted by : Dr Sandeep Rai-President, AMC-Mangaluru.