Gujarat Doctor Abandons Covid-19 Patient's Body On Road, Arrested

A doctor allegedly abandoned the body of a Covid-19 patient on the road in Bamroli area of Surat, Gujarat, India as the family of the deceased didn't pay the hospital bill. The doctor was held on Wednesday.

A complaint was filed by health officials of Surat Municipal Corporation against Dr Jitendra Patel, owner of Priya General Hospital in Bamroli. He was then arrested by Pandesara police for violation of Covid-19 guidelines, reported The Times Of India.

Police said that the body of Bhagwan Naik was abandoned on the road outside Patel’s hospital on Monday after his family failed to pay Rs 50,000 (around $680) outstanding treatment charges. Naik was admitted to the hospital on April 24 and had died during treatment.

“The doctor was arrested for violation of The Epidemic Disease Act and public notification. He will also face charges for mishandling the body of a Covid-19 infected patient,” said a police officer in Pandesara police station. According to him, the doctor was also booked under the Indian Penal Code's various sections, including a negligent act that can spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life.

In another news, some of the Indian doctors said that there is no need for Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms to struggle for a bed in hospitals, reported The Hindu.

“I feel sorry when people call me seeking my help for getting a hospital bed. Not everyone needs a hospital bed. Those with mild symptoms should avoid rushing to hospitals, isolate themselves at home and take the prescribed medicines,” said Dr. Sreehari, a physician and member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

He urged the public to connect with him on his WhatsApp number for free consultation or to clear doubts regarding their test reports.

“Those with mild symptoms should isolate themselves at home and take the prescribed drugs. They should consume plenty of fluids and inhale steam twice or thrice a day to kill the virus, present in the airways," said Dr. B. Ramachandra Rao, an Associate Professor at the Government ENT Hospital.

Rao also advised them to check their oxygen saturation levels at frequent intervals with a pulse oximeter at home. "They should consult a doctor, if the pulse levels drops below 90 for two or three consecutive readings, and get admitted to a hospital for ventilator support,” he said.

“They should be in a positive frame of mind, as a vast majority of Covid-19 positive persons are getting cured. A negative attitude will weaken their immunity,” he added.