A Vadodara-based gynecologist took to social media to share that he refused to treat a pregnant woman in her 30s after she ignored his medical advice and declined to undergo important tests after being influenced by her non-medical friends.
He also highlighted the doctor's right to refuse care when a patient tries to dictate treatment plans.
"I turned away a pregnant patient in her 30s who, ignoring medical advice, refused an NT scan and double marker test (crucial to rule out common chromosomal defects) based on advice from non-medical friends," he wrote on X. "After futile attempts to reason with her, I advised her to seek a doctor who would indulge her misconceptions."
"As a doctor and especially as an obstetrician, never ever let the patient dictate the treatment/management. You'll be the one facing the consequences in court, not them," he further expressed.
Dr Parikh continued, "Just say a blunt no and ask to seek another caregiver".
The post was shared on X. It has since then received 48,000 views and numerous likes and reposts. Many have even commented on the post.
"Double marker test is quite expensive and public perception is that medicos enforce this to earn hefty commissions.
I won't blame the patient entirely. She is not the one responsible for deplored trust from medical industry," a user wrote on X.
Dr Parikh replied, "Total cost is Rs 3,700. Depends on your definition of expensive. Do you know a family having a child with Down's syndrome? If yes, this cost is negligible, if no, you should be educating yourself."
Dr. Parikh added that to help his patients, he usually refers them to testing labs with which he has negotiated discounted rates.
Another user added "One should document everything that happens, especially the fact that the particular patient refused any said investigation/treatment or even hospital admission. It'll help to protect you from any future issues".
Kudos to you for refusing treatment. Else tomorrow you could be held liable in a court of law if they turn against you".
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)
