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Health minister Anil Vij says FIR will be lodged against the hospital administration and doctors under relevant sections of the IPC.

Chandigarh: An inquiry by the Haryana health department has found Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, guilty of negligence and overcharging in the death of a seven-year-old girl suffering from dengue recently.

Health minister Anil Vij said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon that the department has recommended the registration of an FIR against the hospital administration and doctors under relevant sections of the IPC.

“What happened in Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, was not death but murder,” said Vij.

The 50-page inquiry report was submitted by the principal secretary health, Amit Jha, to the minister Wednesday morning. “We are yet to receive a copy of the inquiry report,” said Fortis Healthcare in a statement. “Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram offered complete co-operation to the Committee and family of Baby Adya. All documents, statements and facts as required by them to conduct a detailed inquiry, were provided,” it added.

Highlights of the report:

On overcharging

– The total bill charged by the hospital from the parents led to a profit of 108 per cent by the hospital.

– Huge gap in maximum retail price (MRP) of in Meropenum injections issued to patient. One brand cost Rs 3,112.50 and the other Rs 499.

– The victim, Adya, was administered Human Albumin of two different brands with different MRPs – Rs 6,350 and Rs 2,777.

– The buying price of the consumables and drugs used on the patient was Rs 3.22 lakh while its selling price was Rs 6.70 lakh

– The patient was overcharged Rs 2,000 per unit for 8 units of platelets despite the guidelines that they had to charge only Rs 400 per unit

– Injudicious use of consumables (gloves, syringes etc) cannot be ruled out.

On medical negligence

– The child was taken away by the parents against medical advice from the hospital in an ambulance they had arranged. The hospital removed her ventilator support and she was declared brought dead in the hospital they took her to.

– It is unethical for the doctor to stop the assisted ventilation without handing over to other specialist or directing the relative to ventilate the child by means of ambu-bag.

– The hospital did not report that a dengue patient had been admitted in accordance with the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Action taken

– The case would be sent to the Medical Council of India for action under the Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulations 2002 and accountability will be fixed against doctors of Fortis treating the child

– An FIR will be registered against the hospital for attempt to cover up, change records and possible forgery

– Notice issued to Fortis for closure of blood bank for overcharging for platelets.

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