Doctors' Association for Social Equality

S.NO. 119825/1 &0/CON.97. -Dated : 27.05.97


Instructions were issued in Chief office Memo vide (C.N.) 8523/1 & O Confd 1/91) dated 6.4.91 that when complaints of cognizable offences are received against Medical Practitioners relating to criminal negligence in the course of Medical treatment arrests need not be resorted to as a matter of course. It was also emphasized in the memo that when the Medical practitioner is involved in such police complaint the fact should be brought to the notice of higher supervisory Officers who will keep a close watch on the progress of the case to ensure that there is no vindictive or vexations action.

2. Inspite of these specific instructions an instance has come to notice where in a similar complaints of negligence on the part of a Medical Practitioners arrests have been made resulting in avoidable criticism against the Police. It is once again reiterated that in such cases arrests should not be resorted to as a matter of course. The cases will be duly investigated and any action should be fully supported by a documentary evidence, supervisory approval strengthened with the opinion of the Law office.

3. These instructions will be followed in future.

4. Please acknowledge the receipt.