B L Chaudhary

Abstract

Background: Due to rise in public awareness, reporting of medical negligence cases increased many folds in India. Medical Negligence is absence of reasonable skill, misconduct by a medical practitioner by not providing enough care (act of omission or commission) resulting in breach of their duties and harming the patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all autopsy cases conducted during the period of 2013-17 in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The case of Medical negligence was decided based on history enumerated by Investigation Officer.  Results: The highest number (1.23%) of alleged medical negligence deaths were reported during year 2016. Maximum numbers (42%) were observed in age group of 0-10 years followed by 21-30 years i.e. 23%. Female were outnumbered to male constituting 55% of total medical negligence deaths. 23% death cases were observed in Medicine and Pediatrics departments followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology. Viscera for chemical analysis and histopathology were preserved in majority of cases i.e. 77% and 74% respectively. Conclusion: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and General Surgery are the branches facing most suits of negligence. Careful attention, empathy, clear communication, soft skills and consent is helpful to avoid allegations and  medicolegal autopsy should be conducted in all alleged cases of negligence. Keywords: Medical Negligence, Allegation, Death, Autopsy, Viscera.

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Abstract

Introduction: Atrocities/violent crimes against women have risen in recent times in the state of Rajasthan. Traditionally Rajasthan is known for peaceful coexistence of females. Is the changing social milieu being responsible for sudden rise of crimes or the social fabric has been rewoven. Materials and Methods: The statistical analysis of various parameters and available data from NCRB and state government is scrutinized to see changing pattern in occurrence of crime against women. Discussion: According to State Police Department data, Rajasthan has witnessed a 66.78% rise in crime against women in first half of this year compared to same last year. Total number of cases between January –July 2019 is 25,420 compared to 15,242 in 2018. In July alone cases of women atrocities are a whopping 4,898 while they were 2614 in July 2018. Heinous crimes like rape has seen a jump from 2,587 to 3,677. Molestation shows a rise from 3,171 to 5,329. Abduction rose from 2,687 to 3,762. Cases of domestic violence jumped from 5,884 to 11,459. Dowry related deaths from 231 to 273. Most of the cases were closed as false reporting and approximately 50% cases were taken to court. Kota and Jodhpur cities are India’s top 10 in the crime against women and Jaipur Commissionerate alone shows a rise of 105.74%. Police attribute this to increase in awareness about crime reporting or compensation but fact remains that this is an indicator of sexual disparity in crime and females still being seen as a soft target. Conclusion: The settings up of special Police cell and special courts exclusively looking into such matters have speed up case trial and decreased pendency. Equally important is to respect and fear of law in minds of criminals. The onus rest upon us and family to teach values to our children. Keywords: Women, Crime, violence, Sex, Law.

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