A doctor in Tamil Nadu, who allowed his 15-year-old son to perform a Caesarian section in his clinic at Manappari, near Tiruchi, for an entry into the Guinness record book, now finds himself in deep trouble.
The surgery was performed in April on a 20-year-old mother by Dhileepan Raj, a 10th grade student, under the supervision of his father N Murugesan, a surgeon. It was not immediately known if the boy’s mother Ganthimathi, a gynaecologist, was also involved.
Dr Murugesan, who administered anaesthesia to the patient, made a video presentation of the surgical feat at a meeting of the local chapter of the Indian Medical Association in Manapparai on May 6. Shocked doctors reported to Dr Mohandas, State president of the Indian Medical Association.
Dr Mohandas told Deccan Herald over telephone that when the ethics committee called for an explanation, Dr Murugesan shot back that he found nothing wrong in his son doing a surgery when 15-year-olds could become doctors in the US.
Dr Mohandas said: “We have reported to the Medical Council of Tamil Nadu as Dr Murugesan’s act is a violation of the medical code that permits only registered doctors to practice medicine. If found guilty, he could be suspended from practice for three years or his registration itself could be cancelled.”
The Tiruchi district administration has ordered a magisterial enquiry by the district revenue officer who will be assisted by the deputy director of health services of Tamil Nadu. District collector Ashish Vachani said that “from the video and media interviews given by Dr Murugesan, there appears to be a prima facie case of deliberate professional misconduct”.
He said he had called for a report within a week and legal action would be taken if the doctor was found involved.
Dr Mohandas said the video showed only Dr Murugesan and his son involved in the surgery.
Action promised
Meanwhile, the Centre has promised to take severe action if the allegations are found to be true.
In Delhi, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said, “This matter needs through inquiry. If it is found that the information is true than severe action should be taken”.
The father of the boy, Dr Murugesan in an interview to a private TV channel denied any such charges against him and his son. “I performed the surgery and my son was allowed only to watch it. Reports about the surgery being done by my son in an attempt to set a record is not true.”
He said “some evil elements, who are jealous of me are creating this problem to me. It is all created by somebody. I do not want to mention the names.”