Victim reveals how she was left with flesh-eating disease after GP did not see her face-to-face then fled to India

Victim reveals flesh-eating disease after GP's remote consultation

A woman has reported developing a flesh-eating disease following a remote consultation with her general practitioner, who subsequently left for India. The case raises concerns about the adequacy of remote medical services and patient care.

What happened

The patient, who has not been named, stated that she sought medical advice for symptoms that later escalated into a severe infection. Her GP conducted the consultation via phone rather than in person. After the consultation, the GP traveled to India, leaving the patient without follow-up care. The woman later required hospitalization due to the progression of her condition, which was diagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis.

Why this is gaining attention

This incident is drawing public scrutiny as it highlights potential gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly concerning remote consultations. Patients are increasingly relying on telemedicine, and this case raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of such practices when face-to-face evaluations are not conducted.

What it means

The situation underscores the importance of in-person assessments in certain medical cases. It also prompts discussions about regulatory measures for telehealth services and the responsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure adequate patient care, even when utilizing remote methods.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: A woman developed a flesh-eating disease after a remote consultation with her GP, who then left for India.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The case raises critical issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine in treating serious health conditions.