Medical negligence

US NRI Dr. announced Indefinite “hunger strike” unto death
to against delayed justice for his departed wife

• In 1998, his wife, a child psychologist died due to the negligence of two doctors in Calcutta.
• NRI, Dr. Saha said, "entire compensation amount of Rs.777 million would be donated for promotion of health in India'

Columbus, Ohio, Jan 03, 2009
NRIpress.com

NRI Dr. Saha M.D., Ph.D. asst Professor College of Medicine and Public Health Pediatrics from Columbus, Ohio told our senior press reporter that he is very disappointed with the medical and judicial systems in India. To improve the judicial system, Dr. said:

• I will fast unto death from February 6, 2009 onwards until this case is listed by the Supreme Court for final adjudication.
• For more than ten years, I am seeking justice for my departed wife. I invite all to join me in this peaceful agitation.
• I am not associated with any party but as NRI, I am looking justice
• India can only attract more NRIs for investment if judicial system is working

Yesterday, he also discussed his case with UK NRI Jassi Khangura, NRI MLA from Punjab, who is on the trip in North America to discuss NRIs problems. He will also discuss his case with NRI, Madhu Yaskhi, New York attorney and his Dr. Wife, who returned to India to serve children and the poor people of India and elected MP.

Dr. Saha's wife, Anuradha Saha, a young US-based child psychologist, died from reckless treatment during a social visit to Calcutta in 1998. Dr. Kunal Saha, Anuradha's husband and Ohio-based researcher on HIV/AIDS, has been fighting a seemingly impossible battle against the influential medical lobby in India to bring justice for his departed wife for the past almost 11 years. “People for Better Treatment” (PBT), a humanitarian society emerged from Anuradha’s death, has been fighting against the corrupt and grossly flawed medical regulatory system in India. Countless victims of medical neglect have come to the PBT in search for justice (visit www.pbtindia.com). Anuradha Saha death case has generated a great deal of public interest and has been reported widely in the media both in India and US in the past.

Justice in Anuradha death case is likely to have far-reaching consequences on both medical and judicial systems in India. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other medical lobbies have staunchly opposed Dr. Saha's unyielding fight for justice while ordinary people of India and NRIs have strongly supported this battle against "medical negligence". Cases for medical negligence should receive expedited justice but unfortunately in India, cases against doctors for causing death of innocent patients remain entangled in the legal system for decades without justice. Both the “criminal” and “civil” cases (seeking highest compensation in Indian history) for Anuradha’s wrongful death have been kept pending in the Supreme Court (SC) since 2005 in clear contradiction to the standard procedures of the Apex Court. Dr. Saha has made a personal appeal to the Chief Justice of India on December 30, 2008 to probe the inordinate delay in the final hearing of his wife's cases (copy attached).

Dr. Saha has called for an indefinite “hunger strike” in front of the Supreme Court of India starting on February 6, 2009 unless the SC takes immediate steps and lists Anuradha’s case for final hearing. Dr. Saha and PBT demand for expedited justice and a transparent system for investigation of errant doctors guilty for medical negligence. A press conference on this historic battle was held on Dec. 30, 2009 at the Calcutta Press Club. Dr. Saha is calling ordinary people of India, NRIs and all conscientious citizens to join this historic battle against medical negligence and to bring justice for the countless victims of malpractice in India.

Dr. Saha

''I will fast unto death from February 6 onwards until this case is listed by the Supreme Court for final adjudication. For more than ten years, I am seeking justice for my departed wife. I invite all to join me in this peaceful agitation,'' Dr Saha said.