Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 2 Jul: The hospital administration has categorically rejected allegations of negligence levelled against doctors following the death of a one-year-old child at the Mussoorie Sub-District Hospital. Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Khajan Singh Chauhan stated during a press conference on Thursday that neither the four-member committee constituted for an impartial inquiry nor the review of CCTV footage substantiated the allegations made by the family. He remarked that one-sided and misleading information—which tarnishes the hospital’s image—not only damages the institution’s reputation but also demoralises the doctors.
Dr Chauhan explained that a couple had arrived at the hospital’s emergency ward with their approximately one-year-old child around 5 a.m. on 29 June. The following day, certain media outlets reported allegations that no doctors or staff were present at the hospital and that the child died due to a lack of timely treatment. Taking the matter seriously, a four-member inquiry committee was immediately formed. The committee examined CCTV footage, duty records, and questioned the staff members.
The CMS stated that the investigation revealed that, when the couple arrived, the doctor on duty was attending to another female patient. Within two to three minutes, Dr Prashant Naithani examined the child as well; thus, the allegation that no doctor or staff was present was found to be incorrect. He further noted that the investigation revealed the child was already undergoing treatment by a private practitioner and had been prescribed several medications, including steroids. After assessing the situation, the hospital doctor advised discontinuing certain medicines, administered necessary medication, and asked the family to wait until 8 a.m. so that a detailed examination by a paediatrician could be conducted.
Dr Chauhan stated that despite medical advice, the family took the child away from the hospital. It was later learned that they had taken the child to Landour Community Hospital. The hospital administration has no information regarding the treatment provided there or the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. He clarified that no negligence was found at any stage during the treatment at the Sub-District Hospital.
Dr Prashant Naithani, who was on duty at the time of the incident, also stated at the press conference that he had examined the child within the stipulated timeframe. A review of the child’s medication revealed that he was being administered excessive medication and steroids inappropriate for his age. The medication was adjusted in accordance with medical standards, and the family was advised to wait until morning to consult a paediatrician. He noted that the entire treatment process was recorded on the hospital’s CCTV cameras, ruling out any possibility of negligence.
CMS Dr Chauhan remarked that it is unfortunate that some individuals are attempting to turn the hospital into a political issue without verifying the facts. He appealed to the media and public representatives to hear both sides before drawing conclusions about any incident. One-sided reporting undermines public trust in government hospitals and demoralises the medical staff.
Dr Chauhan mentioned that, through the efforts of Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, the Mussoorie hospital was recently upgraded to the status of a Sub-District Hospital, and healthcare facilities there are being continuously expanded. He noted that modern medical equipment has been procured through ONGC, the MLA’s local area development fund, and other sources. Diagnostic facilities—including CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasound services—have been strengthened, ensuring better healthcare for the residents of Mussoorie and surrounding areas. He emphasised that the hospital’s objective is to provide patients with superior and timely treatment. While strict action will be taken in accordance with the rules if any negligence by staff or doctors comes to light in the future, allegations made without proper investigation are neither justified nor in the public interest. Dr Alok Jain, Dr Santosh Kumar Negi, Dr Bina Singh, and Assistant Nursing Superintendent Rekha Sharma were present on this occasion.
