The Tamil Nadu government doctors’ association has threatened to protest if a criminal negligence case against doctors over the death of a female footballer is not dropped.
Chennai ,UPDATED: 19 Nov. 2022 7:55 PM IST
Priya, 17, reportedly died due to medical negligence during surgery at a government hospital in Chennai.
By Akshaya Nath: The Tamil Nadu government’s doctors association has threatened to organize a state-wide protest if the criminal negligence case against doctors suspended over the death of a female footballer is not dropped. Two doctors were suspended after 17-year-old Priya died at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai after an alleged botched operation.
Earlier, the Madras High Court adjourned the hearing of a bail application filed by the two doctors, who have been suspended for medical negligence following Priya’s death. An FIR was registered against the doctors under Section 174 (unnatural death) of the IPC, which was later changed to Sector 304A (causing negligent death).
A day later, the doctors’ association issued a statement on this, saying that under Supreme Court standards, Section 304A can only be invoked after an expert has filed a report alleging criminal negligence. However, the expert report filed in court mentions civil negligence and the association demanded that section 304A be waived.
Also read | TN CM Stalin visits family of Priya, 17-year-old footballer who died due to failed surgery
The statement also said that the Madras High Court’s decision to deny early bail to the doctors suspended for medical negligence has sparked fear among the doctors’ fraternity across India. It reiterated that action should only be taken against the doctors for civil negligence.
The association also urged media houses not to publish photos of the doctors. The association stated that if the doctors are arrested, it will hold a statewide protest and urged the nurses association and members of the Indian Medical Association to join the protest.
The association expressed its condolences to Priya’s family and apologized for the carelessness that allegedly led to the young woman’s death. They also thanked Chief Minister Stalin for the prompt action and support for the family.
CM Stalin met with Priya’s family and handed over an allowance of Rs 10 lakh, a job offer, and also issued an order to allocate a house to Priya’s family.
Priya died on November 15 at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai. Her leg was amputated by doctors at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital after an alleged botched operation at Periyar Nagar Government Peripheral Hospital.