'Dr Praful Desai's case an imporantant lesson of medical negligence'

The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) believes Dr Praful Desai’s case is an important lesson for the fraternity. The oncologist from Bombay Hospital was found guilty of medical negligence by the Esplanade court last July in connection with a case filed against him by retired IAS officer PC Singhi, 23 years ago.

The MMC has decided to ask all medical colleges to organise seminars and highlight Dr Desai’s case and emphasise the need for doctors to communicate properly with patients and relatives.

The Medical Council of India received a plea from Singhi in September to cancel Dr Desai’s registration, but failed to take a decision on Saturday because of Sessions Court’s stay on the Lower Esplanade Court’s decision.

Dr Kishore Taori, president, Maharashtra Medical Council, said, “We got a fresh plea from Singhi after the court held Dr Desai guilty of medical negligence.” “We will decide once the court gives its decision,” he added.

Emphasising the need to have a good doctor-relative communication, Dr Taori said, “Communication breakdown leads to attacks or law suits.”

“It is  important that the doctor respects the patients. We will teach the young doctors the same and ask the medical colleges to give Dr Desai’s example,” added Dr Taori.