Doctor Suspended for Making Child Smoke to Treat Cold
Summary: A BAMS doctor in Uttar Pradesh was suspended after a shocking viral video showed him forcing a 5-year-old to smoke a cigarette, claiming it would cure his cold. The state government has initiated strict disciplinary action, including a chargesheet.
Shocking Viral Video: Doctor Makes Child Smoke to "Cure Cold"
Can you imagine a doctor making a 5-year-old smoke a cigarette to treat a cold? Shockingly, that’s exactly what happened in Uttar Pradesh.
In a disturbing case of medical misconduct, a BAMS doctor from Kuthemd’s Community Health Centre (CHC) was caught on camera forcing a 5-year-old boy to smoke a cigarette. The doctor, identified as Dr. Suresh Chandra, falsely claimed it would relieve the child’s cough and chest congestion.
What the Viral Video Revealed
On April 7, a video surfaced online showing Dr. Chandra placing a cigarette in the boy’s mouth, demonstrating how to inhale. The child had been brought to the centre by his parents for a simple cold and cough. In a shocking twist, rather than prescribing medicine, Dr. Chandra encouraged and guided the child to smoke.
The parents, likely unaware of proper medical protocols and living in a remote area, followed the doctor’s suggestion. They even paid ₹100 for a cigarette, trusting the doctor’s misguided claim that smoking would clear their son’s chest.
State Government Steps In: Immediate Action Taken
The incident triggered public outrage and prompted swift action by the Uttar Pradesh Health Department. Initially, the doctor was transferred to the district headquarters as a disciplinary measure. But after a formal investigation, he was found guilty of gross misconduct.
Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the doctor’s suspension. He stated:
“Dr. Suresh Chandra, a medical officer posted at PHC Kuthond in Jalaun district, was found guilty of behaving inappropriately, using abusive language, and above all, teaching a five-year-old child to smoke.”
A government spokesperson told the media that the probe committee validated the charges, leading to the suspension and an order to file a chargesheet.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Incident Matters
This isn’t just an isolated case of a doctor using a bizarre home remedy, it’s a serious violation of medical ethics and child safety. A 5-year-old was exposed to nicotine and psychological harm by someone who was supposed to provide professional care.
The incident also highlights a growing gap in health education and access in remote areas, where families are vulnerable to misinformation, even from trained professionals.
What Will Happen Next?
- The doctor has been officially suspended.
- A chargesheet will be filed for further legal action.
- The state health department is reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Patient Safety
This case is a grim reminder that not all healthcare professionals uphold the oath to do no harm. The suspension of Dr. Chandra should serve as both a punishment and a warning. It highlights the urgent need for
- Better oversight
- Accountability
- Public health awareness, especially in rural areas
"What kind of doctor tells a little kid to smoke? This is not medicine...this is madness!"
""We trust doctors to heal, not harm. I can’t believe this happened to a 5-year-old. If this had happened to my child, I wouldn't have stayed silent. There must be justice."
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
