PGI slapgate: Doc tenders apology

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 25

The woman doctor, who had repeatedly slapped an HIV patient at the New OPD of the PGI, has tendered an apology in writing and expressed regret over her action.

Earlier, the doctor denied slapping the patient, claiming that she was not present at the New OPD during the time of incident.

The written apology came a day after a team of the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society conducted a probe into the incident. The team submitted its preliminary report to Dr Vanita Gupta, Project Director, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society.

“It has been found that misunderstanding led to the incident. However, strict warning has been issued to Dr Puja Chauhan. She has been asked to abstain from taking any such action in future,” said Dr Gupta. The team took the statements of doctors, staff and patients who were also present at the PGI on April 23 when the incident took place.

“Owing to heavy rush, patients generally get agitated.  It has been stated that the HIV patient had used abusive language. The doctor thought that abuses were aimed at her. She lost her cool and took such an action,” said Dr Gupta.  It was unbecoming of a doctor to slap a patient. Dr Puja should have called the security staff instead, she added.  

“Though she has tendered an apology and expressed regret over her action, the inquiry will continue. The team may visit Ambala to record the statement of the HIV patient,” stressed Dr Gupta. 

The victim has maintained that he did not use abusive language.  “I have received a call from Chandigarh SACS. They were also asking me whether I had abused the doctor. I have categorically denied the allegation. I was there for treatment. Why would I abuse the doctor. I thank the people standing there for intervening, otherwise the doctor would have continued slapping me,” said the patient.