Ex-CM Hukam’s death: Rohtak PGIMS chief, senior prof face suspension

Sunit Dhawan & 

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Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Rohtak/Ambala, March 10

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has recommended suspension of Rohtak PGIMS officiating director, Dr Rohtas Yadav, and senior professor Dr Dhruva Chaudhry following an inquiry indicting them for lapses in the treatment of late Chief Minister Hukam Singh. 

The government decision has surprised senior staff of the premier institute with Dr Chaudhry demanding a fresh probe.

The ailing ex-CM was admitted to the PGIMS on February 12 and discharged on February 25, following which he was taken to a private hospital in Gurgaon. He died on February 26.

State Director-General (Medical Education and Research) Pradeep Kasni, who conducted the inquiry, submitted his report to the Health Minister on Monday. In a tweet today, Vij referred to Kasni’s report to convey the government decision. The Health Minister said certain corrective measures were needed to streamline the health services. “I have forwarded the matter to the Chief Minister,” he said.

Kasni inquired into allegations by the ex-CM’s family members that the institute’s medical staff had delayed shifting the ailing former CM to Gurgaon which reportedly led to his death. Kasni visited the institute on March 4. Kasni had told the media that he was not satisfied with the replies of PGI doctors and officials and concluded that the protocol had not been followed. Kasni had also met the family members of the former CM and compiled a report, which was put up before the health minister.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Rohtas Yadav said he was not questioned by Kasni. “I merely paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General upon his visit to the PGIMS. The recommendation for my suspension is a big surprise for me,” he said.

Dr Dhruva Chaudhry maintained that he and his team had provided the best possible treatment to the former CM in consultation with specialists. “The late Master Hukam Singh had been under our treatment for several years and he and his family members were satisfied with the treatment. This time also, he had responded well to the treatment and was discharged on request,” he said. Prof Chaudhry has asked the government to get the matter probed by a committee comprising three eminent medical professionals. “I am pained to know that in government, there is no value for hard work, honesty and integrity,” said Prof Chaudhry.

The family members and other aides of the late Chief Minister refused to comment on the government decision.