Lapses alleged in Dallewal’s treatment, doctors refute charge

After nearly 50 days in a closed cubicle at the protest site in Dhabi Gujran village, near Khanauri, farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on the 58th day of his indefinite fast, was shifted to a new cubicle amidst controversy over alleged lapses in his treatment.

A team from the Patiala Health Department, led by Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh, arrived at the protest site following complaints by farm leaders about negligence in Dallewal’s care. The controversy escalated after treatment was reportedly suspended for over 12 hours due to a dispute over the medical team’s competence.

Farm leader Kaka Singh Kotra alleged a trainee doctor was deputed to oversee Dallewal’s care, leading to errors such as improperly placed intravenous (IV) lines that caused bleeding from both arms.

The Civil Surgeon refuted allegations of negligence.

Meanwhile, Dr Harnoor Singh, a senior anaesthetist, raised concerns about the working environment at the site. In a letter to Rajindra Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Girish Sahni, he alleged that doctors on duty faced harassment and verbal abuse. Despite multiple attempts, Dr Sahni could not be contacted for comments.

Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande said the matter was eventually resolved after former DIG Narinder Bhargav mediated between farm leaders and government officials, assuring that no negligence would occur. A new medical team was later deputed and the treatment resumed.