Private Dental Clinic Sealed After Viral Video Alleges Drunken Dentist

INDIA: A private dental clinic in Kadayam, Tenkasi, has been sealed by health authorities in response to a viral video showing a dentist allegedly inebriated while speaking to a patient who suffered tooth damage due to alleged medical negligence.

Viral Video Raises Concerns

The video, which circulated widely on social media, purportedly shows Dr. G Ramathangarajan, the dentist in question, admitting to being inebriated during duty. The patient’s attendant can be heard in the video, claiming that the tooth damage resulted from medical negligence and accusing the dentist of playing with a person’s life. In response, Dr. Ramathangarajan asks the attendant not to record the conversation and requests five more minutes to remove the tooth. However, the patient declines further treatment.

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In light of the viral video, Joint Director of Health for Tenkasi, Dr. Premalatha, and Revenue Divisional Officer, Lavanya, conducted a joint inspection of the Punnagai Pal Maruthuva Maiyam clinic. The clinic was sealed during this inspection in the presence of police personnel. Additionally, a show-cause notice was served to Dr. Ramathangarajan. The decision to seal the clinic was made due to its failure to register under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishment Act.

Registration Requirement and Possible Actions

Dr. Premalatha clarified that the clinic could reopen once it is registered under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishment Act. Regarding potential actions against the dentist for alleged medical negligence and being intoxicated while on duty, Dr. Premalatha stated that the health department would initiate such actions only when the patient can substantiate the allegations.

Dr. Ramathangarajan also operates a clinic in Pavoorchatram. The incident has sparked concerns about the conduct of healthcare professionals and the need for adherence to registration requirements in dental clinics to ensure patient safety and accountability.

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