Haryana Medical body flays suspension of 3 doctors for ‘wrong’ opinion

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, September 15

The suspension of three doctors of the civil hospital in Hisar has evoked strong reaction from the medical fraternity. Calling the suspension unjustified, the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association demanded immediate revocation of the orders.

The health department has suspended three doctors — Dr Rajiv Dabla, Dr Poonam Dahiya and Dr Neeraj Khatak — on the charges of giving wrong medical opinion in the medical examination of another doctor of the civil hospital, Dr Prem Kumar, on the orders of the sessions court, Hisar, on January 4. Dr Kumar died in July.

HCMS Association district president Dr Kamid Monga said suspension order of the three doctors was baseless and was issued without following due procedure. “We urge the government to revoke the orders as such action will adversely affect the morale of doctors who are leading the fight against Covid,” he said.

The suspension came after district and session judge Arun Kumar Singhal ordered medical examination of Dr Kumar who was produced in the court during a hearing of a case. The judge said the gait of the witness (Dr Prem Kumar) was such that he was not in a position to stand properly in the court. “He appears to be in inebriated condition so the chief medical officer is directed to get him medically examined and to report regarding the consumption of liquor if any,” he had ruled.

A medical board of three doctors was constituted which submitted a report the same day (January 4), saying Dr Kumar had refused to give samples for test and though he appeared conscious and cooperative, the possibility of any substance consumption could not be ruled out.

The judge mentioned in the order that the aforesaid opinion given by the board of doctors seemed to have been given to protect the fellow colleague. The court further said it appeared that Dr Prem Kumar had failed to appear in the court despite bailable warrants and his presence was secured through non-bailable warrant. He further directed the health department director to look into the matter and take appropriate action.

What had happened

• On January 4, district and sessions judge Arun Kumar Singhal ordered medical examination of Dr Prem Kumar who was produced in the court during a hearing of a case
• “He appears to be in inebriated condition so the chief medical officer is directed to get him medically examined and to report regarding the consumption of liquor, if any,” he had ruled
• A board of three doctors submitted a report, saying Dr Kumar had refused to give samples and the possibility of any substance consumption could not be ruled out
• The judge said the doctors’ opinion seemed to protect the fellow colleague and the health department director must take appropriate action