Kochi: In an important ruling, the High Court has stated that nurses should not be arrested based on complaints of medical negligence, clarifying that a government circular should be issued within three months on the matter. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan issued the directive following a case involving a temporary nurse at the Cherthala Taluk Hospital, where a complaint was lodged regarding negligence in treating a 10-year-old child.
The police had registered a case for alleged culpable homicide against the nurse, but the High Court annulled this case, emphasising the need for proper safeguards for healthcare professionals. The court highlighted the importance of acknowledging the services provided by nurses who work tirelessly both day and night in patient care.
The Supreme Court has previously recommended seeking expert opinions before filing cases against doctors in instances of treatment errors. The High Court has now called for similar protections to be extended to nurses, urging the government to issue a circular akin to one published in 2008 concerning doctors.
This ruling reinforces the critical role of nurses in the healthcare system and the necessity of a fair and just approach to handling complaints of medical negligence.
Published: 27 Oct 2024, 07:13 am IST
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