The Full Bench of Assam Human Rights Commission presided over by Chairperson, Justice T Vaiphei, held a Guwahati doctor guilty of medical negligence and directed him to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lacs to the family of the deceased patient, Pinky Das.

Dr Ghanashyam Thakuria of Ambari Urban Health Centre had started Pinky’s treatment in 2017 with some injections and infused her with saline after preliminary diagnosis of a urinary infection. Pinky had complained of backpain, lower abdomen pain, fever and burning sensation. Her condition deteriorated soon after medication and she was shifted to a bigger facility. But she died before receiving any treatment there.

The inquiry report submitted by the Director of Health and Family Welfare concluded there was no medical negligence.

However, in absence of proper explanation as to the cause of death soon after taking prescribed drug, the AHRC felt compelled to hold him medically negligent in handling the patient’s case.

“As the employer of the charged officer, it is open to the State government to pay the said amount on his behalf and may recover the same from his salary by installment or otherwise,” the commission also said in its order.

— India Legal Bureau