No longer dealing with case: Gynaecologist

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 11

Senior gynaecologist Dr Alka Sehgal, the first doctor to submit a report before the court stating that terminating the pregnancy of the 10-year-old rape victim was not possible, claimed that she was no longer dealing with the pregnancy case.

The 10-year-old rape victim is currently admitted to a private ward of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32 here and is expected to give birth to a child anytime soon.

Dr Alka Sehgal was in the team that was formed following the court order directing the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, authorities to file an observation whether the foetus of the 10-year-old child could be terminated or not.

According to sources, controversy erupted after Dr Alka was told to deal with the “critical” pregnancy case. However, she allegedly denied the same and told Medical Superintendent (MS) Ravi Gupta that currently Dr Bhari Goyal was dealing with the case, who is working in Unit III headed by Dr Navneet Takkar, whereas she heads Unit I.

When contacted, Dr Alka said: “There are three gynaecology units in the GMCH-32. All three units are being headed by senior gynaecologists. Director-Principal Dr AK Janmeja is heading the Department of Gynaecology. The present case is under the observation of Dr Bharti Goyal and the unit is being headed by Dr Navneet Takkar.”

Dr Alka said she was in the committee that was formed to give observation before the court.

“As per the orders, I appeared before the court and submitted my statement on behalf of the committee. That was the end of the matter. I am no longer handling the case,” she said.

Dr Alka was quick to add that she had not received any further orders and she had no information about the formation of a new panel wherein she was the member.

Ravi Gupta, Medical Superintendent, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector  32, here, maintained that he was busy in a meeting.

Dr Ravi Gupta was asked when he would be available for version, the doctor replied that he had no clue for how long the meeting was going to last.

When asked whether Dr Alka had submitted a written letter pulling her name out of the panel, Dr Ravi reiterated that he was busy in a meeting. 

Hospital issues passes to visit girl

The family claimed that on Thursday night a man claiming to be a welfare committee member was inquiring about the victim’s heath and was asking whether the delivery had taken place. After learning about the episode, the hospital authorities have issued strict guidelines stating that no stranger should be allowed to meet the minor girl or her family members. Sources said even CWC members did not inform the hospital before paying a visit to meet the family. Besides deploying security guards, the hospital authorities have also issued passes to the family members and officials of the Social Welfare Department and Child Welfare Committee. It has been decided that only the persons who would carry a pass will be allowed to meet the girl. 

Dr Alka was in team formed after court order

Dr Alka Sehgal was in the team that was formed following the court order directing the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, authorities to file an observation whether the foetus of the 10-year-old child could be terminated or not.