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The Health Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Col (Retd) Dhaniram Shandil on Tuesday said there is an urgent need to frame and enforce strict guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs in hospitals) following the alleged assault of a patient by a doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. The victim's family has demanded that the case be registered under charges of attempted murder.
Speaking to ANI, Shandil said the behaviour allegedly shown by the doctor was "completely unacceptable" and violated medical ethics as well as human values. He said the issue was discussed in detail during a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which was attended by senior health department officials, IGMC authorities and a delegation from the Chopal area. "What has been seen is not acceptable at all. It is neither allowed by medical norms nor by human values. A patient is already in pain and pressure and may be agitated. A doctor must have the patience and strength to handle such situations. We need very strict guidelines and SOPs as an institution. A detailed investigation is underway, and stringent action will be taken. There should be no doubt about that." Shandil said. The Health Minister said a decision on the matter would be taken after the investigation report is submitted, expected by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. He also referred to recent incidents of ragging and an internal sexual harassment inquiry at IGMC, stressing that strong institutional decisions were now necessary to prevent such incidents in the future. "IGMC is a very prestigious institution and has served people for many years. This isolated incident is unfortunate and painful. I personally assure the public that such behaviour will not be allowed to happen again in the state," Shandil added. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Chopal region met the Chief Minister, Health Minister and senior officials, reiterating their demand for strict legal action. The patient's relatives have sought inclusion of provisions related to the attempt to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the arrest of the accused doctors. "Our delegation met the Chief Minister and Health Minister. We demand that both doctors involved be terminated and that a Section related to the attempt to murder be added to the FIR. The Health Minister and Superintendent of Police have assured us of strict action. Law is equal for everyone, whether a doctor or anyone else," said Dashta. The Chief Minister has directed IGMC authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident by Wednesday evening. Police officials have said the matter is under investigation and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings. (ANI)
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