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An Indian-origin consultant gynecologist from Mitcham, South London, has been suspended after she was found guilty of professional misconduct. She allegedly forced a patient into a forceps delivery despite repeated refusals.
Patient Had Requested a C-section
The incident happened in October 2016 at Milton Keynes University Hospital, where Dr. Premila Thampi reportedly forced a 41-week pregnant, first-time mother—who had a neuromuscular condition—to undergo forceps delivery, even though the woman had earlier requested a cesarean section.
A forceps delivery involves using a medical instrument shaped like tongs to help pull the baby out during childbirth. A C-section (caesarean section), on the other hand, is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen.
Reportedly, the 62-year-old gynecologist became forceful after realizing that the woman was unable to deliver naturally. She allegedly dismissed the patient’s repeated pleas and used her seniority to justify her decision.
According to the patient, Dr. Thampi said, “You need to let me do this as I don’t know what is going to happen to your baby. You are putting your baby at risk.”
“I Was Against the Use of Forceps”
The woman also alleged that Dr. Thampi entered the room, asked if she was ready for an instrumental delivery, and left without explaining the procedure or instruments involved.
“I knew about the use of suction and a ventouse, and I verbalized to Dr. Thampi that I was against the use of forceps,” she said.
She also claimed that Dr. Thampi pressured her by saying she is a consultant and it was already 6 o’clock—implying that she could have gone home and left the delivery to a junior doctor, but chose to stay.
According to reports, the woman eventually agreed to the procedure but, as the forceps were applied, shouted at Dr. Thampi: “I hate you, I haven’t listened.”
She also stated that the delivery left her traumatized and caused damage to her baby’s face and head.
Tribunal Findings and Doctor’s Defense
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in Manchester reviewed the case, found Dr. Thampi guilty of professional misconduct, and suspended her for three weeks.
Dr. Thampi later defended her decision, stating that when the patient clearly refused forceps, it was already too late to do a C-section. She also apologized to the mother for the trauma and denied making the “6 o’clock” comment, saying her shift ends at 7 PM.
MPTS Chair Tehniat Watson said this was a serious case of a lack of informed consent, pressure on the patient, adding that action was necessary to maintain patient trust.
What This Case Has Raised Questions About
The case has raised questions about how much say patients really have in choosing between natural birth and surgery. It also points to the importance of clear communication and respecting a patient’s choice when it comes to medical decisions.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/)
