Doctors fight as patient awaits C-section

Accused doctors suspended, Rajasthan health minister orders probe

In a bizarre video that has gone viral, a group of doctors at a hospital in Rajasthan can be seen arguing over who should operate over a pregnant woman.

Reports said the woman was lying sedated on the operation table for an emergency C-section.

The video showed the doctors shouting at each other, arguing loudly, calling names and even threatening each other.

One staff member at Umaid Hospital in Jodhpur surreptitiously recorded them on his mobile phone on Monday.

In the video, one of the doctors can be heard saying, “stay within your limits.”

“You will pay for this,” the other replies.

Another doctor and a nurse are seen trying to stop them, reminding them that a surgery was underway.

The accused doctors have now been identified and suspended.

While some reports said the woman eventually lost her baby, Ranjana Desai, superintendent at Umaid Hospital, was later quoted as saying the mother and baby were fine.

There was another operation conducted just 20-30 minutes later by another set of doctors, where the child was stillborn and “most probably things got mixed up”, she said.

Rajasthan state Health Minister Kali Charan Saraf has also set up an inquiry committee to investigate the incident.

“The video showed Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Ashok Nanival arguing with Professor of Anaesthesia Dr Mathura Lal Tak using filthy language. We have taken the matter very seriously. We have set up an inquiry committee. Those found guilty will be taken into account,” Saraf said.

Court hearing scheduled

Controller of Umaid Hospital Dr Amilal Bhat informed Gulf News that the two doctors were immediately removed after the incident was reported to him.

“This is highly condemnable. I have recommended disciplinary action against the two doctors to the state government. Besides, I have also formed an inquiry committee for further probe,” Dr Bhat said.

The probe panel, comprising Head of Anaesthesia Professor UD Sharma and Paediatrician Dr Rakesh Jora as members, is headed by Desai.

One of the suspended doctors, Dr Tak, told media, “The other doctor was arguing with me while I was trying to administer anaesthesia on the child. I was trying to save its life. I have raised the issue with the Controller.”

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court (HC) has taken cognisance of the incident. Asking the state government to conduct a probe by a panel that includes a judicial officer, the HC has sought a report within a weeks’ time.

The matter will come up for hearing on September 4.