MARGAO
When Dr Andre Fernandes, head of Department, Forensic Department Goa Medical College, Bambolim made the infamous statement "My lips are sealed" while declining to shed light on the cause behind Dr Ketan Bhatikar's death, he was not only trolled on the social media, but it was enough to raise suspicions over the post mortem examination.
Medico-legal officers, however, in private said the recent government circular has indeed sealed their lips on disclosure of information to the media on cause of deaths after post mortem examinations.
The circular issued on May 14 finds no mention of medical legal officers or heads of forensic department empowered to brief the media on cause of death.
Amongst those authorised by the circular to disclose information include Dean, GMC, Medical Superintendent, GMC, Nodal Officer, SSB,GMC, Directorate of Health Services & any other CHCS, PHCs, under their purview, Director, Directorate of Health Services, Chief Medical Officer, NCDCP, DHS and the Medical Superintendents of both North Goa and South Goa District hospitals.
"The circular has indeed sealed the lips of medico-legal officers from disclosing information to the media. Dr Andre cannot be blamed for making the statement", remarked a senior officer.
Saying that it is the normal practice of journalists to contact Forensic HoD or Police to get cause of death, the officer recalled that when Dr Jindal was GMC Dean, he used to direct journalists to contact the medico-legal officer regarding post mortem findings.
"Unlike working of doctors in other health departments, working of the forensic department is connected to police (Home department) and Health Department. Hence it cannot be treated as just one of health department", he added.
The circular issued by Joint Secretary Health Pranab Bhat, states that it has been observed by the government that certain government officers/officials of the Health Department are issuing press briefings/write ups without its prior knowledge or approval.
"Such Unauthorized briefings and statements also contravene the provisions of Rule 9 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which prohibits Government servants from making such statements", the circular stated, while authorizing the designated officer to disclose information to the public.
"Apart from above authorized officers, no other officials shall issue press briefings, statements or interviews without proper prior approval. All the Head of the Institutions are hereby directed to bring the contents of the above Circular to the Notice of all the Staff under their control for strict compliance. Any breach of above instructions shall invite immediate disciplinary action, including initiation of a departmental inquiry under CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965", the circular added.
