Probe team yet to call doctors: Kin of dead baby

CHANDIGARH: Over a month after an 11-month-old baby died at PGI due to the alleged negligence of doctors, the family members are claiming that none of the doctors who were on duty on the day were called in for examination by the probe committee.
Moreover, the medical reports showing the timings and date were scribbled at places (a copy of which is with the TOI). A complaint in this regard has been submitted by a relative of the deceased to the PGI director.
“I have now been provided the certified copy of the complete record from which it is clear that the PGI authorities deliberately did not seize the record in time allowing the same to be forged and fabricated. The forgery and over-writing are writ large and now apart from the other offences it has now become punishable under the IPC for forging public record,” stated the complaint letter.
Rivansh Tayal, who died in PGI, had accidentally swallowed an almond on April 3. Due to his parents initially not willing to give a written consent, the bronchoscopy (intervention for removing the foreign body) was not done. However, the parents alleged that after a few hours they agreed for the treatment and were told to bring the medicines for the procedure, however, the doctors delayed the operation intentionally.
The PGI had then constituted a committee to investigate the case. The family members had requested the director to allow external members to participate and the same was permitted. However, the external members, who were advocates, were not allowed to say anything during the committee meetings. “In the last two hearings, the chairman of the committee has clearly stated that he is not inclined to call the complainants and take their version even though the same was suggested by not only the lawyers, but also the other members of the panel,” stated the complaint.
PGI director Dr Jagat Ram has asked the parents to present their statements on Monday.