A probe has been ordered into the conduct of a doctor after a clip of his refusing treatment to a two-year-old boy who was bitten by a dog and was afflicted by resultant fever went viral. The incident is said to have happened at the upgraded public health centre at Eriyur in Pennagaram.
Munusamy, the doctor, faces charges of negligence for refusing to touch the patient, use a stethoscope or administer injections.
A routine practice
He is accused of routinely referring patients to the Pennagaram taluk hospital even for basic treatment.
In the instant case, Sivakumar, father of the two-year-old boy, is seen asking the doctor to inspect the boy and test him for fever.
However, Dr. Munusamy refused and asked him to go to the Pennagaram taluk hospital.
Mr. Sivakumar, who hails from Nagamarai village in Oddanur in Pennagaram, captured the exchange on phone and circulated it on WhatsApp.
In the clip, Dr. Munusamy is seen just handing out a pre-written slip prescribing tablets without making the patients to sit down, or testing them.
When questioned, Dr. Munusamy is seen retorting that he would treat only as per his style.
He dares the father to go and complain to his higher-ups.
According to sources, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine K. Kolandaisamy has ordered the Deputy Director of Health of Dharmapuri to inquire into the incident.
When contacted by The Hindu, Deputy Director of Health K. Jegadeeshkumar said an inquiry would be conducted on Monday or Tuesday.