Chennai: 2 Doctors Die In 48 Hours, MMCH Says Death Can't Be Attributed To Stress

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian ordered an inquiry into whether the 24-hour shift and workload were the reason for the death. 

Within a span of two days, two doctors were found dead at their residences in Chennai shortly after completing their shifts. Dr Maruthupandian, a super specialty PG from Madras Medical College, was found dead at his residence on December 10 while Dr Solaisamy from ESI Hospital in Ayanavaram was found dead after returning from work on December 11. Following this, doctors and doctors associations have questioned the heavy workload and alleged severe labour exploitation by the government. 

Taking to Facebook, Doctor GR Ravindranath shared a statement issued by Doctors Association for Social Equality (DASE). The statement by DASE said, "Dr Maruthupandian, a 30-year-old young doctor, was a post-graduate in the field of Gastrointestinal Surgery. He was found dead in his room.”

“It is said that it may be a heart attack due to a heavy workload. An honest investigation and autopsy should be made to examine the cause of death,” it said.

The statement said, “The physical and mental strain caused by the heavy workload is claiming the lives of many young doctors. Action should be taken to prevent severe labor exploitation and treatment of medical students like bonded labourers.”

Further, he demanded Tamil Nadu government to provide a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of Dr. Maruthupandian.

On Tuesday, Health Minister Ma Subramanian also ordered an inquiry into whether the 24-hour shift and workload were the reason for the death. 

In a press release, MMC clarified that the doctor did not work continuously for 36 hours, contrary to reports from media organizations. The assertion that his death was a result of workload is deemed inappropriate. The accurate cause can only be determined through the autopsy report, they emphasized, the report said.

On December 8, the doctor was reportedly engaged in the organ retrieval process of a brain-dead individual at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

The police have registered a case under Section 174 of CrPC.