A doctor from Landmark Hospital, Sector 33, Chandigarh, has been charged with medical negligence following the death of 74-year-old Amarjit Kaur eight months ago. The police registered the case under Section 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code, based on an investigation by a medical board formed by the UT Administration.
Sukhwinder Pal Sodhi, the victim’s son, filed a complaint stating that on March 16, his mother suffered a femur fracture and was admitted to Landmark Hospital for surgery. He requested that the hospital use the latest MRI-compatible implant. Amarjit was discharged the following day, on March 18, after the surgery.
Fifteen days later, on April 3, Sodhi brought his mother back to the hospital, as she was disoriented and had critically low sodium levels. Despite this, Dr. Harsimran allegedly did not admit her to the hospital and only prescribed medication. The next day, Amarjit suffered severe seizures and was transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32, where she was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator.
Dr. Harsimran reportedly claimed the implant was MRI-compatible but refused to provide a written confirmation. He then referred the family to his father, Dr. Parminder Singh, who also declined to offer written assurance.
At GMCH, the doctors required confirmation about the MRI compatibility of the implant before proceeding with further investigations. Dr. Harsimran reportedly claimed the implant was MRI-compatible but refused to provide a written confirmation. He then referred the family to his father, Dr. Parminder Singh, who also declined to offer written assurance. This delay in obtaining necessary information prevented the MRI and further complicated Amarjit’s condition. She passed away on April 16 after spending 12 days in the ICU.
In response to the complaint, a medical negligence committee was formed, chaired by Dr. AK Attri, Director-Principal of GMCH Sector 32. The committee’s report, submitted on July 9, concluded that while the surgery itself was not an issue, the hospital’s follow-up care was severely inadequate. The doctors failed to manage the low sodium levels according to medical protocols and did not provide timely information regarding the MRI compatibility of the implant. These lapses in medical care led to further complications and ultimately the patient's death, with the committee categorizing the case as medical negligence.
After reviewing the case, including legal opinions, police registered an FIR against Dr. Harsimran Singh and Dr. Parminder Singh under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code on December 18. The investigation is now being led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Bala.
According to Sodhi, the hospital charged ₹50,000 for the implant, but it was allegedly substandard and incompatible with MRI scans. Sodhi accused the hospital of unethical practices and misleading the family about the implant’s quality.
According to Sodhi, the hospital charged ₹50,000 for the implant, but it was allegedly substandard and incompatible with MRI scans. Sodhi accused the hospital of unethical practices and misleading the family about the implant’s quality. "The doctor's negligence inflicted immense suffering on my mother, ultimately resulting in her tragic death. I urge the authorities to hold the hospital accountable and revoke their license to safeguard the well-being of other patients," he said.
Landmark hospital has not issued an official statement regarding the FIR and allegations.
Key Grounds of Medical Negligence:
Use of substandard implant: The hospital is accused of using a subpar, potentially non-MRI-compatible implant for the femur surgery, despite assurances to the family that it met necessary standards.
Failure to provide implant compatibility certification: Despite multiple requests from the family, the doctors refused to provide written proof that the implant was MRI-compatible. This delay hindered the timely completion of vital diagnostic tests, worsening the patient’s condition.
Neglect of critical symptoms: When the patient returned with symptoms of disorientation and dangerously low sodium levels, the doctors failed to take the situation seriously, opting only for medication and not admitting her for further treatment. This led to severe seizures and her deteriorating health.
Non-cooperation during emergency: The hospital’s refusal to cooperate with GMCH staff during the emergency phase exacerbated the patient's suffering and delayed necessary treatments.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)