Doctor in trouble for not reporting case to police

Will the casual approach of the doctor, who treated the 14-year old girl Nanditha at Jayachamarajendra Hospital in Thirthahalli, land him in trouble? If sources are to be believed, the doctor, Girish, is likely to face disciplinary action for his negligence. 

The mysterious death of the girl from Thirthahalli that triggered protests across the State has now turned out to be a nightmare for the doctor. His failure to inform the police after attending to the girl has been considered dereliction of duty. 

The district health officer is said to have collected all details from the doctor and preparing a report to be submitted to the State government recommending suitable action. 

Nanditha was taken to the Jayachamarajendra Hospital in Thirthahalli in the early hours of October 30 by her parents after she reportedly complained of vomiting. Girish, who was on duty, attended to her. 

The girl reportedly told him that she was forced to consume some poisonous substance by three people who had allegedly abducted her. As per the norms, it was the duty of the doctor to register a medico-legal case immediately. But for reasons best known to him, he chose not to do it. 

Speaking to Deccan Herald over the phone, an official from health department said: “The girl’s parents were said to have requested the doctor not to inform the police. There is no doubt it was dereliction of duty for his part. During the departmental inquiry, Girish stated that Nanditha was battling for life.

He said his focus was to save her instead of informing the police. He asked the parents to take her to McGann Hospital immediately.”
 But the official said that this could not be an excuse for the doctor for not reporting the matter to the police. 

The doctor Ranganath, who treated the girl at McGann Hospital in Shimoga, could have handled the case there itself without sending Nanditha to KMC Hospital in Manipal as McGann Hospital has all the facilities required to handle such cases, the official added. 

It is interesting to note that the treatment certificate issued by KMC Hospital has not mentioned anything related to poison. 

However, the post-mortem report is awaited.