What Is the Punishment for Ghost Surgeries?

Ghost surgeries, where a surgeon delegates a procedure to someone else without informing the patient, are considered a severe violation of medical ethics and legal standards. In India, the punishment for ghost surgeries can range from civil and criminal penalties to professional disciplinary actions. The severity of the punishment depends on the consequences of the surgery, including any harm or injury to the patient.

Punishment for Ghost Surgeries in India:

Criminal Charges and Punishments:

Negligence and Harm:

Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), if a ghost surgery results in harm or injury to a patient, the surgeon or healthcare professional involved may be charged under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) or Section 337/338 (causing hurt or grievous hurt by negligence). The punishment for these offenses can include:

• Section 304A (Causing Death by Negligence): If the patient dies due to the negligence of the surgeon or healthcare provider, the punishment can range from 2 years to 10 years of imprisonment, and a fine may also be imposed.
• Section 337/338 (Causing Hurt or Grievous Hurt): If the patient suffers injuries or grievous harm as a result of the ghost surgery, the medical professional may face imprisonment for up to 2 years or 5 years, along with fines.

Fraud and Deception:

If the ghost surgery involves fraud, such as misrepresenting the identity of the surgeon or deceiving the patient about who will perform the surgery, charges under Section 420 (Cheating) of the IPC may apply. This section provides for punishment of up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine.

Professional Disciplinary Actions:

Medical Board Disciplinary Measures:

Healthcare professionals found guilty of ghost surgeries may face disciplinary actions from the Medical Council of India (MCI) or state medical councils. These actions can include:

• Suspension or revocation of medical license.
• Fines or warnings.
• Prohibition from practicing medicine for a certain period or permanently.

Civil Liability:

Medical Malpractice Lawsuit:

In addition to criminal charges, the patient or their family may file a civil lawsuit for medical malpractice. If the court finds the healthcare professional or institution responsible, the doctor or hospital may be ordered to pay compensation for damages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused to the patient.

Loss of Reputation and Career:

Being involved in a ghost surgery scandal can cause irreparable damage to a healthcare professional’s reputation, leading to loss of trust from patients, colleagues, and the medical community. This can severely affect their ability to practice medicine or obtain employment in healthcare institutions.

Example:

A surgeon in India delegates an important surgery to an unqualified doctor without informing the patient. The unqualified doctor makes a mistake during the procedure, causing severe complications and requiring additional surgeries.

• The surgeon faces charges under Section 338 (causing grievous hurt) for medical negligence and can be sentenced to up to 5 years of imprisonment.
• The patient files a civil lawsuit, and the hospital is ordered to pay compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
• The surgeon faces disciplinary action from the medical council, including suspension or revocation of their medical license.
• The surgeon’s career and reputation are severely damaged.

Conclusion:

Ghost surgeries are illegal in India and carry serious legal consequences. The punishment can include criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code, such as imprisonment for medical negligence or fraud, as well as disciplinary actions by medical councils, including suspension or revocation of the medical license. Furthermore, healthcare professionals involved in such practices can face civil liability for medical malpractice, along with long-term damage to their professional reputation.