Hyderabad police have launched a formal investigation into serious allegations of medical negligence against a city doctor, following a harrowing incident that left a young dentist in a critical coma. The case revolves around the treatment of Dr. Mariyam Syed Hafiz, a 31-year-old dental professional, whose routine clinic visit on November 22 ended in a life-threatening crisis.
Sequence of Events: From Clinic Visit to Cardiac Arrest
The distressing episode began when Dr. Mariyam Syed Hafiz, complaining of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and a sore throat, visited a neighbourhood clinic in Shaikpet accompanied by her brother, Syed Inzamaam Syed Hafiz. The complainant explicitly informed the attending physician about his sister's documented and severe allergy to antibiotics belonging to the penicillin group. Despite this critical warning, the doctor administered an injection of Monocef.
Almost immediately, the patient exhibited alarming signs of an allergic reaction. She developed skin redness, intense itching, and her lips turned bluish. Observing her rapid deterioration, the clinic doctor promptly gave two counter-injections, Avil and Hydrocort. However, the situation escalated catastrophically within mere seconds. "She collapsed in the clinic within 30 seconds. She suffered severe anaphylactic reaction and went into cardiac arrest at around 4.15pm," Syed Hafiz stated in his formal police complaint.
Alleged Mishandling and Critical Aftermath
The family's allegations extend beyond the initial treatment. In a move that has raised further questions, the clinic staff, instead of calling an ambulance, reportedly placed the unresponsive patient in an autorickshaw to transport her to another hospital in Gachibowli. Upon arrival, doctors found Dr. Mariyam Syed Hafiz with no detectable pulse. She was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury, a condition caused by prolonged deprivation of oxygen.
Nine days after the incident, the dentist remains in a perilous state. She has been on ventilator support in the intensive care unit of a corporate hospital in Gachibowli since November 22, and her condition is described as critical and unconscious.
Police Case Registered and Ongoing Investigation
Acting on the family's complaint, the Film Nagar police formally registered a case on November 29 under Section 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the attending doctor. The investigation aims to meticulously reconstruct the sequence of medical decisions that led to the collapse.
"We have recorded the statement of the complainant and his mother. We asked the hospital to provide all records related to the patient including the case sheet. The patient is still on ventilator and unconscious. We will also record the statement of the accused doctor soon," stated M Prem Raj, the sub-inspector at Film Nagar police station. The probe seeks to determine the exact lapses in protocol and duty of care.
This tragic case has cast a spotlight on the grave consequences of alleged medical oversight, particularly concerning known patient allergies, and underscores the importance of stringent emergency response protocols in healthcare settings.
