A woman has testified against Dr Manivasan Moodley, an Indian-origin obstetrician and gynaecologist at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Nova Scotia, Canada. He performed the surgery despite her categorical refusal. The woman, whose identity has been kept secret, broke down while narrating the traumatic experience four years ago. Moodley was not the woman’s regular obstetrician but was on call that night.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia will hear charges next week against Manivasan Moodley, who studied medicine in South Africa. The charges include inadequate communication with patients, improperly performing a surgical procedure and performing a procedure that the patient specifically requested not to be performed.
This is not the first time Moodley has faced problems.
Four years ago, the college acted on complaints from two female patients who accused Moodley of making inappropriate sexual comments. As a result, his licence was suspended for five months, and the college fined him $325,000, CBC News reported.
In addition, Moodley was required to undergo ethics training and have a healthcare professional present during all future appointments.
Woman details painful childbirth experience
Narrating her harrowing experience, the woman said she had done extensive research on childbirth and her expectations were clear.
However, she claimed Moodley ignored her wishes and performed the procedure without her consent. She felt helpless and cheated, which left her with a deep mistrust of the healthcare system.
During cross-examination by Moodley’s Indian-origin lawyer Muniza Sheikh, the woman admitted that she had not communicated her expectations clearly to Moodley or the nursing staff.
Still, he stressed that he had made his wishes clear in his medical records.
According to CBC News, the woman expressed frustration that her “golden moment” — the precious moment immediately following delivery — was marred by pain and trauma.
Moodley’s defence team argued the woman’s expectations were not clearly spelled out, and that medical staff have to make decisions in high-pressure situations.
However, the woman said she expects medical professionals to respect her wishes and provide pain relief if needed.
The hearing, which lasted several days, also included testimony from additional witnesses, including the nurse present during the delivery and the woman’s partner.