Human Rights Panel Summons Doctors Over Controversial Case

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has summoned two doctors in connection with a disturbing incident that occurred at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital on April 14, 2024. Doctors Dr Mandeep Kaur and Dr Manju Nahar are required to appear before the commission on December 2, as public outrage continues to grow over the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was reportedly found on the same bed as a living patient.

The incident drew significant media attention after visuals emerged showing the deceased man lying next to another patient, prompting widespread condemnation. Initially, hospital officials claimed that the man had died just thirty minutes prior to the discovery of his body. However, early reports suggested that he may have actually passed away several hours earlier, raising serious questions about the response time and attentiveness of the medical staff.

Ongoing Investigations and Accountability Issues

Since the incident, the PSHRC has conducted multiple hearings and investigations to determine the accountability of the hospital’s staff. On July 8, 2024, the commission expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity from the health and family welfare department regarding any actions taken against the doctors involved. The commission highlighted that Kirandeep, a senior assistant in the department, failed to provide specific details on disciplinary measures.

In November 2024, the commission reached out to the Ludhiana civil surgeon, referencing a report dated July 18, 2024, which noted that “departmental action” had been recommended against the doctors. However, this report did not clarify the nature of the proposed action, leading to further frustration from the commission. The PSHRC requested a comprehensive update on the disciplinary proceedings but received a vague response.

Recently, officials from the health and family welfare department presented a report from a committee investigating the incident. Surprisingly, the committee’s findings did not recommend any disciplinary action against either Dr Mandeep Kaur or Dr Manju Nahar. This lack of accountability has raised concerns about the integrity of the investigatory process.

Public Reaction and Future Implications

The failure to hold the involved medical professionals accountable has fueled public outrage and highlighted systemic issues within the healthcare system. The PSHRC acknowledged receipt of a letter from the civil surgeon’s office last year, confirming that a recommendation for disciplinary action had indeed been forwarded to the director of health and family welfare.

As the PSHRC prepares for the upcoming hearing on December 2, the case continues to underscore the critical need for transparency and accountability in healthcare settings. The public and stakeholders alike are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that addresses the grave concerns raised by this incident and ensures that similar occurrences are prevented in the future.