Accused of murder Rajasthan doctor commits suicide, alleges harassment in note

She was stressed over the FIR filed against her under charges of murder based on unproven allegations of medical negligence informed Disaster Mental Health Expert Dr Naresh Purohit.

The gynaecologist was accused of causing the death of a woman during childbirth, which initiated a police case

Expressing “deep shock” over the incident, Executive Member of the Federation of Hospital Administrator Dr Purohit told UNI that Dr Archana Sharma, a mother of two small kids was harassed as the case filed against her under IPC 302 is unjustified.

“Acute postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a known complication of childbirth. Uterine atony, or lack of effective uterine contraction, is the most common cause of PPH. It is not something that happens because of medical negligence. But cops were only too eager to harass the doctor," he said.

He further added that death due to alleged medical negligence is covered under section 304A of IPC and that the doctors are booked only if high order of medical negligence is established.

“There is a Supreme Court ruling in this matter. The police cannot just like that book a doctor for medical negligence under IPC 302," he alleged.

He cautioned that this kind of unwarranted harassment of doctors following complications after medical treatment will make affordable medical care impossible for Indians.

Renowned physician Dr Purohit averred that the lady doctor hanged herself in a hospital room and left a suicide note in which she mentioned that the patient had died due to postpartum haemorrhage post-delivery, a known medical complication.

“I didn't commit any mistake. I didn't kill anyone. Please do not harass my family and my children. The patient died of PPH, a known complication. Don't harass doctors. Please. My death will perhaps prove my innocence," the handwritten note read.

Principal Investigator for the private hospitals and nursing homes union of North India -Dr Purohit stated that the hospital administrators and medics believe that prevention is better than cure.

"If the medical fraternity is not allowed to practice without the sword of such allegations hanging on their heads in case of an inadvertent death, no doctor will be willing to take the risk involved in saving lives," he said.

He urged the medical associations of the country to strongly take up the issue and ensure justice.