Hyderabad: The Telangana Medical Council has stated that the criminal investigations against pulmonologist Dr Vijay Bhaskar will determine the course of action against him.
Chairman of the council Dr Ravinder Reddy said, “The council will take a stand only after complete investigation in the case is ready, and if the charges are found to be true then a case of suspension will be taken up.”
Other pulmonologists in the city say that examination of the chest region and also lower abdomen is required when a patient constantly complains of cough.
Senior pulmonologist Dr C. Vijay Kumar said, “When a patient comes to us with incessant coughs we have to check the front part of the chest and also the back. Similarly, the lower abdomen region is checked when the cough or respiratory problems are continuous.”
A senior pulmonologist added, “In India, doctors take it for granted that they can check a woman’s chest and abdomen region. But during such an examination it is important for a lady nurse or at least an attendant of the patient to be present. Some of the patients are very sensitive to such things and do not like to be touched even for an examination. A lady nurse or a companion of the patient is helpful.”
Another senior doctor said on condition of anonymity, “Inappropriate touching or squeezing is an offence. The examining doctors have to make sure that they can opt for diagnostic tests if the disease is not being identified. Also, if there is a need for re-examination than the patient must be told about the same so that he or she come prepared with what could come. Often doctors fail to communicate such information and that leads to a misunderstanding.”
