Allahabad High Court Criticizes Medical Practices in Patient Care

Court's Discontent Over Patient Treatment

The Allahabad High Court has expressed its dissatisfaction regarding the treatment of patients, likening them to guinea pigs or ATM machines. This statement came during the dismissal of a doctor's petition related to the criminal proceedings initiated after the death of a pregnant woman. Justice Prashant Kumar remarked that it has become common for nursing homes and hospitals to lure patients for treatment despite lacking adequate doctors or infrastructure.

Dismissal of Doctor's Petition

The court rejected the petition filed by Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai, the owner of the nursing home, who admitted a pregnant woman for delivery and surgery. The anesthetist arrived late, resulting in the death of the fetus. The doctor challenged the ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The court emphasized that while medical professionals deserve protection, this does not extend to those operating nursing homes without proper facilities and merely exploiting patients.

Accident or Negligence?

Upon reviewing the case records, the court concluded that the incident was purely accidental. The doctor had admitted the patient and sought consent from family members for the operation, but the anesthetist's unavailability delayed the procedure. The court determined that the issue at hand was not the doctor's incompetence but whether he exercised due diligence in providing timely medical care or acted negligently.