An inquiry has begun into the handling of a 6-year-old rape survivor who was sent between Coronation Hospital and Doon Hospital in Dehradun during a medical examination. The case has drawn strong displeasure from the government after the child and her family reportedly spent about 6 hours moving between the 2 facilities.
Medical Education Director Dr Ashutosh Sayana ordered the investigation on the instructions of Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey. He has sought written statements from Coronation Hospital PMS Dr Yatendra Singh, Doon Medical College principal Dr Geeta Jain and Medical Superintendent Dr R.S. Bisht.
The authorities will examine the records and explanations from both hospitals before deciding further action. Dr Sayana said any person found responsible would face strict action.
How the case unfolded
According to the reported account, police and the child’s family reached Coronation Hospital at night 11:00 for the medical examination after the alleged rape in the Patel Nagar area. Coronation Hospital referred the child to Doon Hospital, citing the absence of a paediatric anaesthesia specialist.
At Doon Hospital, the examination process was reportedly not completed. The child was then sent back to Coronation Hospital, leaving the survivor and her family travelling between the 2 facilities for about 6 hours.
The referral decision and the delay at Doon Hospital have raised questions about the coordination between the institutions. The government is reportedly considering questioning about 7 doctors in connection with the episode.
Hospitals give different explanations
Coronation Hospital PMS Dr Yatendra Singh said the referral was made because a paediatric anaesthesia specialist was not available there. Doon Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr R.S. Bisht said doctors had examined the child, but the family was not prepared for anaesthesia.
Dr Bisht said a general examination report was prepared and the child was sent back. These explanations will form part of the material being examined during the departmental inquiry. No final finding of responsibility has been announced.
Senior human rights and RTI activist Bhupendra Kumar Lakshmi has filed complaints with the Governor, the chief secretary and the Human Rights Commission. He has requested a detailed investigation and strict action in the matter.
New reporting directions for hospitals
The directorate has also instructed both hospitals to send daily evening reports on admitted and referred patients to the directorate and the Chief Medical Officer. The directorate will forward its report to the government.
Hospitals have further been directed to record medico-legal and road traffic accident cases on the Medliper portal within 24 hours. The instructions follow the concern over delay and movement between hospitals in this case.
Conclusion
The inquiry will determine whether the referral process, examination and communication between the 2 hospitals were handled properly. Officials have sought written records and statements, with strict action promised if responsibility is established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is being investigated?
The inquiry concerns the handling of a 6-year-old rape survivor who was referred between Coronation Hospital and Doon Hospital during a medical examination.
Q. Who ordered the inquiry?
Medical Education Director Dr Ashutosh Sayana began the inquiry on the instructions of Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey.
Q. Which officials have been asked to provide statements?
Statements have been sought from Coronation Hospital PMS Dr Yatendra Singh, Doon Medical College principal Dr Geeta Jain and Medical Superintendent Dr R.S. Bisht.
Q. Why was the child referred from Coronation Hospital?
The hospital’s PMS said it lacked a paediatric anaesthesia specialist.
Q. What explanation did Doon Hospital give?
Its Medical Superintendent said doctors examined the child, but the family was not prepared for anaesthesia, after which a general examination report was prepared.
Q. Who filed a complaint about the case?
Human rights and RTI activist Bhupendra Kumar Lakshmi filed complaints with the Governor, the chief secretary and the Human Rights Commission.
Q. What action has the government promised?
Officials said strict action would follow if the inquiry identifies responsibility.
