23 complaints made against Max hospitals in 2017

The Delhi Medical Council (DMC), in 2017, received as many as 23 complaints against various Max hospitals in the Capital. Of these, six were against the Shalimar Bagh branch, which is currently under scanner for mistakenly declaring a newborn baby dead.

"As many as 11 cases are still pending and we are investigating them. Most of these cases pertain to medical negligence by doctors. During an investigation, a team of experts questions the accused doctors and nurses, and then listens to the complainant as well. After a rigorous discussion, the matter is moved to the higher authorities,"Dr Girish Tyagi, registrar, DMC, said.

According to the data, the highest number of complaints were against the Max hospital in Saket, followed by the one in Shalimar Bagh. Five case were reported from Patparganj and one each from Pitampura and Panchsheel Park. "All these complaints were made by patients or attendants," Dr Tyagi added.

As per the official process, if a person reports a matter to the DMC, the council issues a showcause notice to the doctor and the hospital concerned. If he or she is found guilty, the council registers a complaint with the police. Thereafter, the police have to register an FIR, after which the matter is taken to court.

Recently, the council served a notice to the Max hospital in Shalimar Bagh for medical negligence. Even after repeated calls and messages, the Max authorities did not respond to the queries sent by DNA.

In 2017, the council received a total of 234 complaints against various hospitals in the Capital, of which 82 were moved to the disciplinary committee for action.