Copyright newskarnataka
A resident doctor at Sola Civil Hospital has come under scrutiny after a late-night confrontation with a patient’s family went viral, prompting Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya to order a high-level inquiry. The minister assured that strict action would follow if any misconduct was proven. Incident sparks outrage The altercation took place around 9 pm on Sunday, when Ajay Chavda brought his niece—suffering from fever and breathing difficulty—to the paediatric ward of the state-run hospital. Soon after, tensions flared, and a video of the incident began circulating on social media. The footage purportedly shows a female paediatric resident doctor refusing to attend to the child and speaking harshly to the family. According to Chavda, no doctor was present initially. When the resident arrived, she objected to a thermometer being placed over the child’s T-shirt. “She told me, ‘It’s your daughter, don’t you know where to place it?’” he claimed. When he asked her to speak politely, she allegedly replied, “This is how my voice is.” As Chavda began recording the exchange, he alleges the doctor struck his phone, injuring his hand, and punched his brother in the stomach. Doctor allegedly refused treatment The situation escalated when the doctor allegedly refused to treat the child, reportedly saying, “Go wherever you want—even to the Chief Minister.” The family then approached the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, who intervened and ensured the child received medical attention. The CMO allegedly requested the family to delete the video to calm tensions. Government orders high-level probe After the video drew widespread criticism online, Health Minister Pansheriya directed an immediate and transparent inquiry. “Any health personnel found guilty of misconduct will face strict action,” the minister said. Dr. Deepika Singhal, Medical Superintendent of Sola Civil Hospital, confirmed the formation of a three-member inquiry committee chaired by her to review CCTV footage and examine both sides’ claims. “The doctor has claimed she was harassed first by the family. She has been shifted to the research wing pending inquiry,” Dr. Singhal stated, adding that the resident is under psychiatric observation and may have reacted under stress. Debate over hospital conduct and doctor stress The incident has reignited debate over patient rights, medical stress, and public trust in government hospitals. Health officials said the committee’s findings would be submitted soon, determining accountability and recommending disciplinary or corrective measures if necessary.
