In the Zolochiv district, a 62-year-old man died in hospital during an examination carried out under medically induced sleep, after which a consultant anaesthetist was notified of suspicion of improper performance of professional duties.
The incident occurred in early September 2024. In line with a referral from his GP, the local resident was undergoing tests to determine the causes of intestinal pain and anaemia. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia.
According to the investigation, the 33-year-old anaesthetist, despite having information about the patient’s underlying conditions, including heart problems, did not order any additional tests before the procedure. After the anaesthetic was administered, the man did not regain consciousness and, despite the efforts of the medical team, died.
According to the expert report, the cause of death was acute ischaemia and acute myocardial infarction. A direct link between the doctor’s actions and the patient’s death has also been established.
Investigators from the Zolochiv District Police Department, under the procedural guidance of the Zolochiv District Prosecutor’s Office, notified the medic of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 140 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – improper performance of professional duties by a medical or pharmaceutical worker. The sanction under this article provides for a penalty in the form of disqualification from holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for up to five years, or correctional labour for up to two years, or restriction of liberty for up to two years, or imprisonment for the same term.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and the doctor has been suspended from duty.