3 doctors arrested for assaulting patients’ kin

Three doctors of a Malad hospital were arrested for allegedly assaulting a patient’s relatives on Thursday night.

Three doctors of a Malad hospital were arrested for allegedly assaulting a patient’s relatives on Thursday night.

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The police said, the complainant, Saket Parekh (25) who lives in Malad (West) said his father Keerti Parekh, (63) was admitted in Riddhi Vinayak critical care hospital on March 14 for breathing problem.

"After a few days’ treatment there was no development in Keerti’s health. His family alleged that Keerti’s diabetes worsened which affected his vision," an official said.

"On Thursday night, an argument started over some payment issue between the two doctors, Saket and his mother Rasika, which later turned ugly," said assistant inspector, Chimaji Adhav. "Rasika alleges that the doctors assaulted her and Saket and abused them. Meanwhile, the locals and relatives gathered. But the police reached the spot on time and the situation was controlled."

"Keerti was critical. We put him on ventilator immediately and after three to four days he was shifted from the ICU to deluxe ward," said Dr Vinay Goyal. "The bill was around Rs 1.6 lakh. He was out of danger and recovering so wanted to discharge him on March 26 or 27."

He added, "His family didn’t want to pay the remaining medical expenses and hence they created ruckus. They also made false allegations against us that we assaulted them and misbehaved with the women."

A case of assault was registered against doctors Venkat Goel (46), Vinay Goyal (44), Avadhesh Mishra (50) and Pranay Ojha. While Ojha is absconding, the other three were arrested and granted bail, the police said.