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In a controversial decision, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) rejected a patient’s medical negligence appeal against the Punjab Medical Council on February 21. The move has sparked outrage among activists and legal experts, given that both a prior NMC decision and a Supreme Court ruling had established the right of patients to appeal.
Mr. Gokul Chand Aneja from Amritsar had filed an appeal alleging medical negligence in the treatment of his wife, which he claims led to her death. In September 2023, the NMC had affirmed that patients could appeal medical council decisions. However, the recent rejection cited an outdated rule allowing only doctors to appeal—a rule that was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2002.
Adding to the controversy, the EMRB is currently vacant, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the rejection decision. Activists have condemned the action as “a shocking example of the NMC’s casual approach,” noting that the rejection letter appeared to be copied from a similar denial issued in 2022.
With growing concerns over the transparency and efficiency of the NMC’s regulatory mechanisms, legal experts and patient rights groups are calling for immediate intervention to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling and ensure justice for medical negligence victims.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and information. The facts presented are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice.
