A gynaecologist in the Lalsot block of Dausa district in Rajasthan has allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself after an FIR was filed against her under section 302 of the IPC (murder) for the alleged death of a pregnant woman who she was treating.
A suicide note was recovered from the scene in which the doctor wrote that the patient had died during a normal birth procedure.
The private hospitals in Jaipur and Dausa remained closed in protest against the incident. Saddened by the incident, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot assured a serious investigation into the case.
The deceased doctor has been identified as Dr Archana Sharma (42) who worked as a gynaecologist in her husband’s hospital in the Lalsot block of Dausa.
She was treating a patient who reportedly died during the delivery. The patient's family created a ruckus outside the hospital and had lodged an FIR against Dr Archana and her husband Dr Suneet Upadhyay under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
The FIR stated that the patient lost her life due to the negligence of the hospital while the doctors have demanded strict actions against the doctor and her husband.
Unable to bear the pressure, the lady doctor allegedly commits suicide on Tuesday. The police had recovered a suicide note from the spot that reads "I have not committed any mistake. Didn't kill anyone. My death may prove my innocence. I love my husband and kids very much. Please don’t harass them after my death. Stop harassing doctors."
As per the suicide note, the patient had died due to Postpartum Hemorrhage, which is a known complication during childbirth.
An FIR has been filed at the Dausa police station by deceased Dr Archana Shama's husband seeking immediate action against a politician, Balya Joshi and the patient's attendants for inciting the doctor to commit suicide.
Following the suicide, doctors in Rajasthan were furious and are demanding proper actions against the guilty for allegedly abetting the suicide.
Indian Medical Association’s Rajasthan branch has called for a 24-hour medical bandh over the doctor's suicide.
In a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the resident doctors union - Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has sought a proper investigation into the matter, as well as immediate withdrawal of the FIR, filed against the doctor.
In the meantime, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Tweeted, "The incident of Dr Archana Sharma's suicide in Dausa is very sad. We give God status to all doctors. Every doctor tries their best to save the life of the patient, but it is not justified to accuse the doctor as soon as any unfortunate incident happens. If doctors will be intimidated like this, then, how will they be able to do their work with confidence? This whole matter is being investigated seriously and the guilty will not be spared."
Action against police officers
In a late-night development, CM Ashok Gehlot has directed to remove the SP of Dausa district while Lalsot SHO suspended and the circle officer to be APO.
In a tweet, Gehlot said that Divisional Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Yadav will conduct an administrative inquiry into the matter. It was decided that strict action should be taken by registering a case against those who forced the doctor to commit suicide in this incident.
Instructions have also been given to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Home to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, to give necessary suggestions.
