Docs insist on listing identification marks in death certificate

Stressing on its the importance, Dr Shanthi Ravindranath, a city-based doctor and member of the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) said, “There can be many sharing the same name as that of the deceased. How is one supposed to differentiate? Also, other details apart from the name and age should be given so that the certificate cannot be misused while settling property related issues and other similar problems.”

Stating that it is essential for the government to introduce a column for identification marks and other specifications, Dr K Raman, a doctor in the city said, “When doctors visit a house to certify the death, they can only do so if they examine the body.”

DASE urged the government to include the column on the certification forms. “This apart, fingerprint of the deceased should also be taken to avoid any kind of manipulation. There are many instances of people misusing these forms by interchanging names for medico legal purposes, property and money related issues,” said Dr Ravindranath, general secretary of the Association.

Stating that a death certificate is a valid proof, Dr Shanthi said, “One of the reasons many doctors are sceptical about coming to the house of the deceased to certify the death is because they get dragged into issues that may come up later.” 

However, many doctors continue to remain unaware of the importance of such a requirement.