Medical negligence probe stalled for 15 months:Grandfather alleges deliberate delays despite Collector’s assurance; health department awaits medical college’s report

For months, a grandfather has been moving between government offices with files and medical records in hand, seeking closure in a case he says has been stalled by procedural delays. What began as a complaint alleging medical negligence has turned into a prolonged wait, with the inquiry ordered by the district administration yet to reach any conclusion. Complaint raised at Jansunwai The issue was raised again at a Jansunwai by Dr Shankarlal Garg, a retired professor and former principal of Government Holkar Science College. He alleged that despite clear directions from the Collector, the health department has failed to complete the inquiry into alleged negligence during the delivery of his daughter in law conducted in June 2019 at Motherhood Hospital which caused permanent disability to her grand daughter Adira. “Probe being deliberately delayed” Dr Garg alleged that health officials unnecessarily forwarded the inquiry to the medical college, a step he claimed was not required under the Collector’s order. There was no need to send the matter to the medical college. This has only delayed the probe. Now the college is also sitting on the complaint for months, He added that shifting responsibility between departments has stalled his pursuit of justice. Allegations against treating doctor The complaint names Dr Neerja Pauranik, the consulting doctor during the delivery. Dr Garg alleged that failure to follow standard obstetric protocols resulted in severe birth asphyxia, leaving the newborn with permanent neurological disability. Non-cooperation alleged by health sources According to health department sources, Dr Neerja Pauranik did not record her statement before the medical board constituted to probe the matter. Sources said she submitted a written communication stating that the case was pending before a court and did not cooperate further with the inquiry conducted by the health department. Medical College yet to respond Dr Garg alleged that once the matter was forwarded to the medical college, the inquiry came to a standstill. Both the health department and the medical college have failed to act. Responsibility is being passed from one office to another, he said. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Hasani confirmed that repeated reminders were issued to the medical college. We have sent three notices to the medical college reminding them about the probe. The college has not given any reply to any of the letters. We are waiting for the college’s report, he said. Doctor’s version Responding to the allegations, Dr Neerja Pauranik said she would not comment on the matter, citing ongoing legal proceedings. “I do not want to comment as the matter is pending in court. However, Dr Garg is not appearing for hearings for cross-questioning,” she said. Collector assures resolution Dr Garg said the Collector assured him during the Jansunwai that the issue would be resolved at the earliest. Meanwhile, MGM Medical College Dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoria didn’t respond to calls for commenting on the same.