Kolhapur Doctor Placed on Forced Leave Following Intoxicated Duty Incident
A doctor stationed at a rural hospital in Panhala, Kolhapur, has been sent on forced leave after a video surfaced showing him in a severely intoxicated state while performing his professional duties. The incident has sparked immediate administrative action and an ongoing investigation into medical negligence.
Video Evidence Leads to Immediate Administrative Action
The situation came to light when relatives of an elderly patient arrived at the rural hospital facility and discovered the doctor in a state of severe inebriation. According to eyewitness accounts, the doctor was unable to walk steadily or speak coherently, despite being the designated officer on ward duty at the time of the patient's admission.
The concerned relatives recorded video evidence of the doctor's condition before shifting their patient to CPR Hospital in Kolhapur city for proper medical attention. The patient had initially complained about vertigo symptoms when arriving at the rural hospital on Saturday night.
Official Orders and Investigation Launched
Deputy Director of Health for Kolhapur division, Dilip Mane, issued an official order on Sunday stating that the doctor has been placed on forced leave until further notice. Meanwhile, District Civil Surgeon Prashant Wadikar has taken more stringent measures by seeking the doctor's suspension from service.
Wadikar has also issued a show-cause notice to Medical Superintendent Sunil Chandeo Abhivant and appointed a three-doctor panel to thoroughly investigate the incident. The investigative team consists of Dr. Sunil Kurundwade, Dr. Sarita Thorat, and Dr. Amit Sohani, who have been directed to visit the rural hospital and submit a comprehensive report.
Previous Warnings and Patient Safety Concerns
District Civil Surgeon Prashant Wadikar revealed to media sources that this was not the first instance of concern regarding this doctor's professional conduct. "Sometime back when the doctor was stationed in Kagal, there was a complaint about his negligence toward a patient," Wadikar stated.
He further disclosed, "During the recent Jyotiba Yatra, I had specifically warned him not to get drunk while on duty. I have asked the medical superintendent to reply to the show-cause notice as it appears he failed to maintain proper oversight of his staff's behavior."
Emergency Response and Patient Transfer
When the patient's relatives found the doctor incapable of providing treatment due to his intoxicated state, the available nursing staff and ward boys conducted primary medical care. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the relatives then contacted the 108 Ambulance service to transfer the patient to CPR Hospital in Kolhapur city, where the patient continues to receive treatment.
Wadikar emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We want to know where the medical superintendent was during this incident and what preventive steps he had implemented. I have formally written to higher authorities recommending the suspension of the medical officer involved."
The investigation panel has been tasked with examining all aspects of the case, including supervision failures, previous complaints against the doctor, and systemic issues that may have contributed to this serious breach of medical ethics and professional responsibility.
