The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), IGMC, Shimla, has urged the government to revoke the suspension of Dr Anu Devi in connection with the death of a young woman following childbirth at the Regional Hospital, Kullu. The doctor was placed under suspension on Tuesday by Health Secretary M Sudha Devi.
In a press statement, the association demanded that the suspension be revoked immediately until the departmental inquiry is completed and its findings are made public. It further suggested that the doctor be placed on administrative leave or any other non-punitive arrangement during the inquiry period.
“Suspension solely on the basis of allegations or public pressure is contrary to the principles of natural justice,” the association said, adding that such actions not only demoralise doctors but also create an environment of fear and insecurity among healthcare professionals, ultimately affecting the quality of healthcare services.
The association stated that, based on available medical facts, the case appears to be one of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), an extremely rare, sudden, and highly fatal obstetric complication.
“In such cases, despite timely intervention and the best possible medical care, it is often not possible to save the patient’s life,” it said.
The association also expressed concern over the “growing tendency to surround hospitals, mobilise crowds against doctors, and blame doctors before investigations are completed whenever an unfortunate incident occurs”.
It further noted that, on several occasions, individuals associated with various organisations or political interests become actively involved in protests, giving sensitive incidents an unnecessary political dimension.
