The healthcare community in Chennai is buzzing following a recent incident involving Rainbow Hospitals. The hospital has been temporarily barred from conducting patient care activities for 10 days after a YouTuber, Mohamed Irfan, was allowed inside the operation theatre. He not only witnessed but also participated in the delivery of his baby, which included cutting the umbilical cord and recording the entire event on video.
This action has led to serious consequences for the hospital, as the Health Department of Tamil Nadu, led by DMS Dr. J Rajamoorthy, found the hospital in violation of medical protocols. Here’s what happened and what it means for healthcare regulations in Tamil Nadu.
Why Was Rainbow Hospitals Barred?
The Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 requires hospitals to maintain strict sterility protocols in the operation theatre. Allowing an unauthorized individual, like a YouTuber, to enter the OT and participate in the delivery process violated these regulations. Dr. Rajamoorthy emphasized that the presence of an unqualified person during such a critical procedure posed a risk to the mother and child’s health, compromising the sterile environment of the operating theatre.
According to Dr. Rajamoorthy, “They permitted a person inside the operation theatre and allowed him to cut the umbilical cord. The procedure was videographed and posted online. This is a gross violation.”
Temporary Suspension of Patient Care Activities
As a result, the hospital’s Clinical Establishment Act registration has been temporarily withdrawn, prohibiting the facility from conducting any patient-care activities, including:
- Out-patient services
- Registration of new patients
- Elective surgeries
- Admission of new patients
The only exception is for pregnant women who were already registered with the hospital. These women can still deliver their babies at the hospital, ensuring they receive the care they need.
Legal Actions Taken Against the YouTuber and the Doctor
The Health Department took swift action by issuing a show-cause notice to Rainbow Hospitals the day after Mohamed Irfan posted the video of his wife’s delivery. The video, which gathered around 14 lakh views before being deleted, showed Dr. Niveditha, a gynecologist at the hospital, handing gloves to Irfan and allowing him to cut the umbilical cord. Following this, a complaint was lodged against Irfan with the police, and Dr. Niveditha was reported to the Medical Council for her role in the incident.
Legal Consequences Based on the National Medical Commission Act
According to Health Minister Ma Subramanian, the incident violated Section 34(1)&(2) of the National Medical Commission Act, which prohibits unqualified individuals from performing medical procedures unless they are enrolled in the State or National Register. The violation may result in penalties such as a jail term of up to one year or a fine extending to five lakh rupees.
Additionally, the Health Department filed a case at the Chemancherry Police Station against both the YouTuber and the doctor. As further action, the DMS fined Rainbow Hospitals Rs 50,000 for not adhering to the required medical protocols and suspended their operations temporarily.
Impact of the Incident on Tamil Nadu’s Healthcare Regulations
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining strict sterility and safety protocols within healthcare facilities, especially in operation theatres. It also emphasizes the need for all healthcare professionals to adhere to legal regulations and avoid allowing unauthorized persons to participate in medical procedures.
The Health Department’s response demonstrates a commitment to upholding patient safety and ensuring that healthcare providers operate within the legal framework established by the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and the National Medical Commission Act.
Conclusion: Upholding Healthcare Standards for Patient Safety
Rainbow Hospitals’ temporary suspension serves as a reminder that even well-established hospitals must strictly follow safety and sterility protocols. The action taken by the Health Department aims to protect patients and maintain the highest standards of care in medical establishments across Tamil Nadu.
Healthcare providers and professionals must prioritize the safety and sterility of their environment and strictly adhere to legal guidelines to avoid compromising patient care. This incident should be a learning opportunity for healthcare facilities to review their practices, ensuring that such violations do not occur in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Rainbow Hospitals in Chennai has been barred from patient care activities for 10 days due to sterility violations.
- The Health Department filed a complaint against YouTuber Mohamed Irfan and the doctor involved for allowing unauthorized access to the operation theatre.
- Legal action was taken under the National Medical Commission Act, highlighting the importance of adhering to healthcare regulations.
- The temporary suspension serves as a warning to healthcare facilities to maintain high standards of sterility and patient safety.
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