MP Doctor Suspended After Denying Anti-Rabies Shot to Padma Awardee’s Wife

In a recent shocking incident, a doctor in Madhya Pradesh has been suspended after she allegedly refused to administer an anti-rabies injection to the wife of Padma Shri awardee Dr. Subroto Das.

Alleged Sequence of Events

The incident took place on Saturday, July 5, when Dr. Subroto and his wife, Sushmita Das, visited a Primary Health Care Centre in Mandu.

Reportedly, the Vadodara-based couple was visiting the tourist town of Mandu, around 38 km from the Dhar district headquarters, when she was bitten by a stray dog on her leg.

The couple rushed to the nearby healthcare facility for an anti-rabies shot. There, Dr. Chandni Dabrolia, who was both on duty and in charge of the center, allegedly declined, saying it was not available, and told them to visit a far-off center in Nalcha.

After the intervention of others, Sushmita was later given the injection at the Mandu health center.

As per reports, when contacted over the phone, Dr. Das confirmed that his wife is doing fine now.

Soon, the incident went viral, and higher authorities took serious note of it, initiating an investigation.

Inquiry Leads to Suspension

Dhar District Collector Priyank Mishra ordered an inquiry by a team from Indore. Based on the preliminary findings, Dr. Chandni Dabrolia was found at fault and immediately suspended by the health department.

Mishra stated that the doctor’s behaviour was inappropriate and her actions were unacceptable.

He told reporters,

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla issued a press statement stating that the state government is committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare to the public. He has instructed all healthcare institutions to ensure adequate availability of life-saving medicines, including the anti-rabies vaccine.

Why Rabies Requires Immediate Action

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most often via bites. But even a small scratch from an infected dog or wild animal can spread the virus. And once symptoms show up, rabies usually turns fatal. That’s why it’s important to get the vaccine right after any suspected bite, even if the wound doesn’t look serious.

Just last month, MedBound Times reported a case where a woman in the UK died of rabies months after getting a minor scratch from a stray puppy.

Systemic Lapses and Lessons

The incident highlights the critical importance of having life-saving medicines like anti-rabies vaccines readily available at primary care centers. It also underscores the need for empathetic and timely care in emergency situations.

(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)