Goa Human Rights Commission Clears GMC Doctors in Fatal Road Accident Case
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has disposed of a complaint filed by the father of a road accident victim, concluding that there was no violation of human rights in the medical treatment provided by doctors at the Goa Medical College (GMC). The case involved allegations of negligence following the death of a 31-year-old man.
Complaint and Initial Proceedings
The father lodged a complaint stating that his son sustained head injuries in an accident on January 7, 2024, and was transported to GMC via a 108 Ambulance. He alleged that medical negligence by GMC doctors resulted in his son's death. In December 2024, the Commission initially stated it could not entertain the grievances as they fell outside its purview. However, the father filed a review application in January 2025, leading to the restoration of proceedings for further examination.
Commission's Investigation and Findings
After reviewing replies from the GMC dean and perusing detailed medical records, the Commission, led by Acting Chairperson Desmond D'Costa and member Pramod V Kamat, found no evidence of negligence. The records indicated that treating doctors interacted regularly with the patient's mother, who was present during treatment and daily counselling sessions after rounds, while the father was not available at those times.
The Commission ruled out any negligence, noting that doctors attended to the patient with due care, skill, and diligence. They followed standard medical practices and did everything possible to save the patient's life. Key observations from the investigation included:
- Although the formal admission time was recorded as 5:14, the patient underwent full investigation before admission, and doctors did not delay treatment due to paperwork.
- Protocols for head injury cases were followed promptly without any delays.
- The patient's neurological condition deteriorated, leading to a transfer to the ICU and placement on ventilator support on the same day.
- A tracheotomy was performed on January 19, and the patient was moved from ward 108 to the ICU on January 26.
- He later died after developing an infection and failing to respond to antibiotic treatment.
Standard Operating Procedures and Final Ruling
The Commission also noted that GMC had issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ICU discharges in November 2019, which was amended in July 2024. According to this SOP, head injury patients remain in the ICU as long as ventilatory support is required, aligning with the treatment provided in this case.
In its final ruling, the GHRC emphasized that the medical care met all necessary standards, and thus, the complaint was disposed of with no findings of human rights violations. This decision underscores the Commission's role in evaluating such allegations based on factual evidence and established medical protocols.
