Doctor's Mistake Leads to Death of 37-Year-Old Man

The investigation into the death of a patient receiving treatment at a medical center has concluded at the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia. According to sufficient evidence obtained during the investigation, on December 4, 2013, the head of the endoscopic diagnostic examination service at the medical center exhibited a negligent attitude towards his responsibilities, providing improper medical assistance to the 37-year-old patient who was hospitalized.

Specifically, during the diagnostic examination, the service head partially examined the gastrointestinal tract of the patient, failing to investigate the duodenum, which led to the overlook of a chronic ulcer in the duodenum that was the clear source of bleeding. As a result, specialists at the same medical center, based on the examination data, reached a wrong conclusion and provided incomplete treatment to the patient.

Consequently, due to continuous bleeding from the ulcer, the 37-year-old patient experienced hemorrhagic shock, which carelessly resulted in his death.

Based on the evidence collected, the head of the endoscopic diagnostic examination service at the medical center has been charged under Article 130 of the RA Criminal Code (failure to fulfill or improper fulfillment of professional duties by medical assistance and service providers) part 2. A signature prohibiting the individual from leaving has been chosen as a preventive measure. The criminal case has been sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, by a legally binding court verdict.