For the first time in the history of Delhi Medical Council (DMC), a registered medical practitioner has been temporarily stripped off his license for gross negligence of his duties, which led to the death of a patient. The council has also requested the State Health Department to order partial closure of the nursing home where the incident took place.

The DMC action was prompted by the death of Vikramjeet Singh Rathore in September last year, which was caused due to the post-operation complications developed due to improper administration of spinal anesthesia. The DMC enquiry found fault with Dr Chandra Prabhakar, the anaesthesiologist who performed the spinal anesthesia and suspended his registration for six months. DMC also found that Rahat Bhagat Nursing Home, where the operation was conducted was ill equipped to conduct any surgeries. The Council has asked the health authorities to ask the hospital to stop performing all operations and confine itself as a clinic. A police case has also been initiated in this regard.

Informing this to pharmabiz, Dr S K Khattri, registrar & secretary, DMC said that the council directive should inspire the state government to take strict action against the un-registered nursing homes indulging in such activities. This is only a first step against the erring doctors, he said.

The doctor whose registration has been suspended is to undergo 30 hours of continued medical education before he can report back to the council. The council may consider withdrawal of the suspension order if he has updated his knowledge satisfactorily, Dr Khattri said.