International Journal of Medical Justice

Case Report Blast Injuries – Case Series

2024-08-22T10:24:14+00:00

Abstract: The objective of an autopsy is to ascertain the injuries sustained and the agents responsible for them. This process can significantly support the investigation by validating the case's historical context. Blast injuries, while uncommon, are invariably lethal. A collection of blast injuries resulting from various circumstances and types of explosives is presented herein with the aim of emphasizing the severe nature of such injuries, the critical need for licensing and regulatory compliance as stipulated in the Explosives Act, and to convey a social forensic message regarding the occupational risks associated with explosive handling, as well as the necessity for specialized training for individuals engaged in its lawful application.

Forensic Assessment of Burn Trauma in an intellectually disabled individual: A case report

2024-09-19T07:42:01+00:00

Intellectual disability is one of the leading ten factors contributing to the global burden of disease, affecting 2–3% of children worldwide. Around 40% of children with intellectual disabilities have a diagnosable mental disorder, which is at least twice the rate compared to children without intellectual disabilities. This case report presents an 18-year-old female with a burn injury of unknown origin along with a history of intellectual disability and symptoms of brief psychotic disorder. This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate trauma in vulnerable groups, with a special focus on forensic investigation to figure out what caused the injury and other contributing factors, as establishing the cause in these individuals is challenging. Understanding whether the burns are due to self-harm, maltreatment, or an accident requires a detailed investigation of the surrounding circumstances, the pattern of the burns, the environment, the intent behind the injuries, and the origin of the burns.
Keywords: Intellectual disability, Burn trauma, Forensic assessment.

Case Report Living man after post-mortem examination: An interesting case discussion

2024-11-22T22:13:44+00:00

Friday, November 22, 2024: A 25-year-old male individual, Mohit Kuber [Name Changed], who had been pronounced deceased by medical professionals at the government-operated Jugnu district hospital [Name Changed], exhibited signs of vitality just prior to his scheduled cremation. His family promptly transported him to the medical facility, where he ultimately succumbed at 5 am on Friday. This occurrence has engendered skepticism regarding the diagnostic accuracy at Jugnu hospital.

Preliminary inquiries indicate that medical personnel declared him deceased and, without conducting an autopsy, proceeded to generate the death certificate. The autopsy report delineates that "the cause of death is attributed to respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and TB (tuberculosis), as per historical treatment records." The time of death is documented as 1:50 pm in the autopsy report. Reports have emerged suggesting that the autopsy was inadequately conducted, with procedural protocols not adhered to, leading to the issuance of the report. The physicians responsible for the autopsy have been suspended due to allegations of negligence.

Scientific Correspondance: Medical Malpractice in India: An Emergence of Increasing Concern

2024-08-22T19:35:57+00:00

As awareness regarding patients’ rights continues to expand, the increase in instances of medical malpractice has prompted India's medical regulatory bodies to remain vigilant, with bereaved patients and advocates asserting that the pursuit of justice is fraught with challenges. Medical malpractice, characterized as the failure of a healthcare provider to uphold an acceptable standard of care, remains a pressing issue in India. Notwithstanding the availability of legal avenues, numerous obstacles impede the effective prosecution of medical malpractice cases within the country. This paper examines the frequency of medical malpractice occurrences, the existing legal framework designed to address these issues, and the difficulties encountered in obtaining compensation. It further deliberates on potential strategies to enhance patient safety and diminish the prevalence of malpractice incidents. The conclusion drawn is that medical malpractice represents a significant challenge in India, adversely impacting both patient safety and trust in the healthcare system. Legal actions regarding medical malpractice should serve to deter negligence while ensuring that victims receive compensation that is equitable, prompt, cost-effective, and readily accessible. To bolster patient safety and mitigate malpractice risks, a variety of solutions warrant exploration.

Review Article: Recent Advances in Forensic Techniques for Ecosystem Analysis: A review

2024-10-11T15:25:51+00:00

Abstract: The vitality of our planet is fundamentally reliant on ecosystems, which represent complex interrelated systems. Nevertheless, due to anthropogenic actions and alterations in the environment, these systems encounter numerous threats and challenges. This paper scrutinizes the most contemporary advancements in forensic methodologies employed in the analysis of ecosystems. This review article investigates cutting-edge techniques including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, stable isotope ecology, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, machine learning, forensic palynology and plant science, bioinformatics and big data analytics, modeling and three-dimensional printing, chemical fingerprinting, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), forensic entomology, sensor networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), hyperspectral imaging, DNA barcoding, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications, acoustic monitoring, and the analysis of micro and nano plastics. By adopting and integrating these innovative methodologies, the ecosystem can be substantially enhanced, ecological degradation can be mitigated, and a more sustainable coexistence with the natural world can be fostered.

The Visionary Behind Forensic Nursing: The Legacy of Virginia Anne Lynch

2024-09-27T18:21:51+00:00

Forensic nursing is the nursing practice that combines healthcare with the judicial system. Virginia Anne Lynch is recognized as the pioneer of forensic nursing. She created the initial forensic nursing curriculum and founded the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), a professional body for registered nurses practicing forensic nursing engaged in the care of victims of trauma and violence. Lynch structured the standard of forensic nursing practices for the care and examination of victims of trauma and violence, especially sexual assault. She helped forensic nursing become a distinct specialty and expanded the scope of the specialty. Lynch also authored numerous texts on forensic nursing. The article explores the life of Virginia Anee Lynch, her significant contributions to forensic nursing, and her lasting impact on the nursing profession and the criminal justice system.

Editorial: Protecting our Healers: Addressing the Rising Tide of Violence Against Healthcare Workers

2024-09-04T18:00:52+00:00

The recent surge of aggression directed towards medical professionals and healthcare practitioners, culminating in the heinous act of sexual assault and subsequent murder of a physician in Kolkata, serves as a dismal indicator of a society in turmoil. Such occurrences are not merely isolated events; rather, they constitute a troubling pattern that jeopardizes the fundamental integrity of our healthcare infrastructure and the security of those who commit themselves to the preservation of human life.

Healthcare practitioners have historically been esteemed as the fundamental support of any operational society. They represent the individuals to whom we confide during our most susceptible times, placing our trust in their expertise regarding our well-being and that of our relatives. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and healthcare personnel were lauded as champions, confronting an invisible adversary on the frontlines, frequently with insufficient resources and at considerable personal peril. Nevertheless, in spite of their steadfast dedication, these same champions are increasingly subjected to incidents of physical aggression, verbal maltreatment, and, in the most alarming occurrences, sexual violence.

The occurrence in Kolkata, wherein a physician was sexually assaulted and ruthlessly murdered, transcends the scope of a mere crime against an individual; it constitutes an affront to the entire medical fraternity and serves as a grave condemnation of our inability to safeguard those who safeguard us. This atrocity is indicative of a more extensive dilemma—a society that appears to be adrift from its ethical bearings, wherein animosity and exasperation are frequently misallocated toward individuals who are least deserving of such hostility.

Several elements contribute to this distressing escalation of violence directed toward healthcare professionals. The healthcare infrastructure in India is excessively strained and inadequately funded, resulting in prolonged waiting periods, insufficient care, and, consequently, patient dissatisfaction. In numerous instances, physicians and nurses become the immediate recipients of this discontent, despite being fellow victims of the same dysfunctional system. The pressure placed upon healthcare workers is profound, with the additional threat of violence further intensifying the stress and burnout that many are already experiencing.

Furthermore, there exists an escalating sense of entitlement and unaccountability among those perpetrating these violent acts. The absence of prompt and decisive measures from law enforcement and the judicial system has engendered a perilous environment wherein offenders presume they can assault healthcare workers without incurring significant repercussions. This situation is exacerbated by a societal attitude that fails to fully comprehend the challenges and sacrifices intrinsic to the medical profession.

The government and healthcare institutions must undertake immediate and robust measures to confront this crisis. Primarily, there must be an unequivocal policy of zero tolerance for violence against healthcare professionals. This necessitates the implementation of stringent laws, effective enforcement mechanisms, and expeditious judicial procedures to guarantee that those who perpetrate such acts are held responsible. Healthcare facilities must also be equipped with enhanced security protocols, including surveillance systems, trained security personnel, and strategies to de-escalate potentially violent encounters.

Education and awareness are equally paramount. Society at large must comprehend the strains faced by healthcare workers and acknowledge that violence is never a permissible reaction to dissatisfaction or frustration. There must be concerted initiatives to restore trust between patients and healthcare providers, underscoring the importance of communication, empathy, and reciprocal respect.

Moreover, the media has a pivotal role in shaping public perception and fostering transformation. It is essential that incidents of violence against healthcare practitioners are reported with accuracy and responsibility, illuminating not only the occurrences themselves but also the broader repercussions for society as a whole.

In conclusion, it is imperative that we address the fundamental challenges inherent within the healthcare system that contribute to patient discontent and dissatisfaction. This encompasses the necessity for enhanced financial investment in healthcare, the augmentation of infrastructure, the reduction of the doctor-to-patient ratio, and the assurance that all individuals have equitable access to timely and sufficient medical services. Tackling these systemic challenges transcends the mere prevention of violence; it is fundamentally about guaranteeing that the healthcare system can effectively and compassionately meet the needs of the populace.

Ultimately, this discourse extends beyond merely safeguarding physicians and healthcare professionals; it pertains to upholding the principles of compassion, respect, and human dignity that ought to be central to our societal framework. Immediate action is required to ensure that these principles are maintained, and that those who provide care can fulfill their roles without the threat of violence or assault. The necessity for reform has been long overdue.

Dr Richa Gupta

Assistant Editor-in-Chief

International Journal of Medical Justice

Associate Professor and Head

Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Sarojini Naidu Medical college, Agra