Rajasthan: Doctor, booked for death of pregnant woman, kills self
A woman gynecologist, booked for allegedly causing the death of a pregnant woman at a private facility in Rajasthan's Dausa district, died by suicide on Tuesday. Dr. Archana Sharma reportedly hung herself inside a room of the hospital after facing allegations of medical negligence and murder charges. The patient had died at the hospital run by the late doctor and her husband on Tuesday.
The family of the deceased patient—who reportedly died during childbirth—had created a ruckus at the hospital, blaming the doctor couple. An FIR was also registered against the late doctor and her husband over medical negligence. The patient's family demanded that the duo should be booked under Section 302 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. They also demanded revocation of the hospital's license.
As per the suicide note left by the late doctor, the patient had died due to postpartum hemorrhage. "I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't kill anyone. Stop harassing doctors for PPH, which is a known complication. Maybe my death would prove my innocence," the note read. She also requested that her husband and children should not be harassed after her death.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn sharp reactions from the medical fraternity. Dr. Suresh Saini—a Medical Officer practicing in the Dausa district—termed it an "unfortunate" incident. "Blaming a doctor without reason is not right, especially when they are performing all their duties. Voices should be raised against such practices," Saini added. Many also took to Twitter to express solidarity with the deceased doctor.
According to the hospital website, Dr. Archana had always scored 90% marks throughout her academic life. She did her MBBS and MD (obstetrics and gynecology) at the prestigious Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi. She was a gold medalist in her MD exams. She has also been credited for saving at least 500 lives by performing emergency and complicated surgeries.
