Child rights panel seeks report from PMC in medical negligence case

Ludhiana: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sent another letter to Punjab Medical Council asking for contact details of the disciplinary committee, which recorded the statements of Dr Pratibha Handa and complainant Pulkit Kapoor in a case of medical negligence dated July 26 , 2016. It has been alleged that patient Pulkit Kapoor was admitted in a city hospital in early labour around 1.45pm but was not examined for six hours, from 4pm to 10.20pm.

According to the report of the civil surgeon, had the doctor checked the patient, meconium passed by the baby could have been detected on time. Copy of the letter, which is with The Times of India, said, "this is with reference to letter No PMS/2017/2820 dated 26/07/2016 received from the registrar, Punjab Medical Council. It was mentioned in the letter that clarification in the case has been asked from Dr Pratibha Handa but till date the commission has not received any response. Also, the case is being transferred to the disciplinary committee for further consideration.”

The letter said patients are directed to send contact details of the disciplinary committee and the statement of Dr Pratibha Handa and the complainant to the commission within 10 days of the receipt of the letter, failing which action will be initiated as per the CPCR Act, 2005 and summon will be served for personal appearance at the office of the commission in New Delhi.

Karan and Pulkit Kapoor said, "It has been six months and the case is with Punjab Medical Council. The letter of the chief medical officer clearly states they are negligent and still action has not been taken. We will move high court if justice is not done.” Dr A S Sekhon did not respond to calls.