AIIMS doctor sacked

Tribune news Service

New Delhi, February 21

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences has decided to sack a senior resident doctor (anaesthesiology) and give Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the family of Nursing Officer Rajbir Kaur, who died on February 4 following complications during childbirth (stillborn) in an alleged case of medical negligence last month.

A show cause notice will be issued to the consultant on call of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for not being present for the emergency operation despite being informed—with kin of the deceased alleging delay in caesarean—while displeasure note/warning will also be sent to a senior resident, Gynaecology and junior resident, Anaesthesiology respectively on the issue.

The move follows based on the findings of the enquiry panel, having representation from both nursing union and resident doctors, constituted by the AIIMS administration a day after Kaur’s death.

The administration has also announced to give appointment to the next of kin of Kaur and issued a press statement in this regard.

Deputy Director Administration V. Srinivas said, “The AIIMS has initiated a follow-up action against the officials held responsible by the enquiry committee to look into the death of Nursing Officer Rajbir Kaur.”

The action has been taken based on the enquiry committee findings and two rounds of meetings at the level of Director AIIMS.

“An amount of Rs 10 lakh compensation shall be paid to the next of kin of Nursing Officer. The compassionate appointment case of the next of kin of the late Rajbir Kaur may be processed expeditiously,” read the statement by AIIMS.

“A termination order to the Senior Resident, Anesthesiology, who was found guilty for wilful absence of his duties will be issued,” it added.

Further, a “displeasure memorandum” of Director AIIMS shall be issued to senior resident, Gynaecology, while a warning to the junior resident, Anaesthesiology, for having left the Operation Theatre under pressure of residents of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Noting that the HoD Anaesthesiology will ensure round-the-clock availability of senior residents at the maternity OT and the presence of consultant of Anaesthesiology available on hospital premises to supervise anaesthesiology services in diverse areas.

“A committee under the Chairman, Hospital Management Board, shall be constituted to augment the health care services with regard to EHS employees,” stated the AIIMS.