Supreme Court Exonerates Anaesthetist in Patient Death Case
Anaesthetist not criminally liable for nurse's procedural error after duty hours: Supreme Court
Image: Deccan Herald
The Supreme Court of India ruled that anaesthetist Dr. Supriya Kumari M C cannot be held criminally liable for a procedural error by a nurse leading to a patient's death after her duty hours ended. The court emphasized the lack of gross negligence and the need for a direct link between the alleged negligence and the death.
- 01The Supreme Court quashed criminal charges against Dr. Supriya Kumari M C under Section 304-A IPC, citing lack of evidence for gross negligence.
- 02The incident involved the death of patient K P Muralidhar after piles surgery in May 2002, with complications arising from a nurse's error.
- 03The court highlighted that the anaesthetist's off-duty status precluded criminal liability for the nurse's actions.
- 04It reiterated the necessity of an independent medical opinion before initiating criminal proceedings against doctors.
- 05The deceased had significant underlying health issues, including an 80% blockage in his coronary artery, which contributed to his death.
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The Supreme Court of India has ruled that Dr. Supriya Kumari M C, an anaesthetist, cannot be held criminally liable for a procedural error made by a staff nurse that resulted in a patient’s death after her duty hours had ended. The case originated from the death of K P Muralidhar following piles surgery in May 2002, where complications arose due to improper administration of an epidural injection by a nurse after Dr. Kumari had completed her shift. The court found no prima facie evidence of gross negligence, emphasizing that standard medical advice provided over the phone does not equate to criminal recklessness. The ruling highlighted the importance of establishing a direct link between negligence and death, and noted the patient's pre-existing health conditions, including an 80% blockage in his coronary artery, which contributed to the fatal outcome. The court also pointed out inconsistencies in the nurse’s statements and the flawed nature of the expert panel that had previously implicated Dr. Kumari. Consequently, the Supreme Court discharged her from all charges, overturning a prior ruling by the Kerala High Court.
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This ruling clarifies the legal responsibilities of medical professionals regarding criminal liability in negligence cases, particularly concerning off-duty conduct.
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