‘Diarrhoea death’ in Patiala: Probe ordered against doctor accused of negligence by kin

The Health Department has ordered an inquiry against a woman doctor posted at Patiala’s Mata Kaushalya Hospital following allegations of medical negligence that allegedly led to the death of a two-year-old girl, a patient of diarrhoea.

The action was taken after a woman accused the doctor of delaying treatment while reportedly having tea and biscuits with hospital staff.

The incident came to light during Health Minister Balbir Singh’s visit to the Allipur Arian area on Sunday, where a diarrhoea outbreak claimed two lives, including that of the girl.

At least 70 residents were taken ill. However, the authorities had on Sunday denied that the deaths took place due to the disease.

During the minister’s visit, local resident Prem Lata had confronted him, alleging that her niece Chandni could have been saved if timely medical attention had been provided.

“I pleaded with the doctor to start treatment but she told me to wait. I cried and begged, but by the time she came, the child had died,” she had alleged.

The woman also lost her 70-year-old mother Tara Devi to the outbreak on June 28, while her niece passed away on July 1.

The Minister directed health officials to initiate an inquiry. He ordered that the CCTV footage from the hospital on the day of the incident be reviewed and a report be submitted. Civil Surgeon Jagpalinder Singh confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated against the doctor but denied allegations that negligence directly caused the child’s death.