Doctor puts patient on anesthesia in operation theatre, then falls asleep

Dharamsala: A gynaecologist at a medical camp in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh has been suspended for falling asleep during a surgery after administering anesthesia to a patient on the operating table.

"We have placed the doctor under suspension for negligence and have ordered an inquiry into the incident by a District Programme Officer at Mandi and strict action would be taken after the enquiry report is submitted", Health and Family Welfare Minister Kaul Singh Thakur informed the state Assembly today.

Jai Ram Thakur, the health minister said that it was a matter of luck that all the women, who underwent surgeries, at the camp were fine and that there was no complication on any count.

The minister said the medical examination of the doctor had proved that he was drunk even though he took a small quantity of liquor.

According to Mr Thakur, the gynaecologist was posted at Mandi hospital in 2008 during the previous BJP regime and the same doctor had earlier performed surgeries in camps at different places in Mandi district and all were successful.

"We have zero tolerance for any kind of negligence by the doctors and para medics as it can cost life," he said.