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GP Flees to India After Medical Negligence Ruling
23 Feb
Summary
- Doctor's failure to diagnose led to life-threatening sepsis.
- Patient underwent extensive surgery, leaving a large scar.
- Doctor fled to India after being ordered to pay over £128,000.
A patient's rage is directed at Dr. Nupur Mittal, a GP whose alleged negligence led to a significant portion of Oriana McDonald's stomach being removed. In July 2018, McDonald consulted Dr. Mittal for a stomach lump, but the doctor allegedly performed a cursory examination and prescribed antibiotics for cellulitis, despite not touching the patient or taking her temperature.
Three days later, McDonald's condition deteriorated, prompting another phone call to Dr. Mittal, who offered more antibiotics. Her partner, Ian Gale, grew concerned and called an ambulance on July 11, 2018. McDonald was diagnosed with a severe abdominal abscess and sepsis, requiring radical surgery that removed a large amount of tissue and left her with a significant scar.
McDonald pursued a civil claim for medical negligence against Dr. Mittal. The doctor failed to respond to legal correspondence or appear in court. Consequently, a default judgment awarded McDonald £128,204.30 in damages, costs, and interest. The couple discovered Dr. Mittal had relocated to India when attempting to enforce the debt.
Dr. Mittal, who now operates the Ambala Wellness Clinic in India, is subject to an interim suspension by the General Medical Council. This suspension, in place since February 2016 and reinforced by tribunal hearings in June and November of the previous year, prevents her from practicing and treating patients while investigations continue.
