Ireland has dropped three doctors of the Galway University Hospital from the team that will probe the death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who died due to pregnancy-related complications after being denied abortion.

An announcement in this regard was made by Prime Minister Enda Kenny in the Parliament within hours of unveiling of a seven-member team to probe the tragic death.

Savita’s husband Praveen Halappanavar had earlier refused to talk to the investigators, saying he would not consent to their viewing his wife’s medical records as three of the Galway hospital’s senior doctors were part of the team.

“The three doctors will not be part of the investigation and therefore different personnel who are competent, who are experienced and who have no connection to Galway University Hospital will be appointed,” Kenny said.

Kenny said the doctors will be replaced by officials who have “no connection at all” with the Galway hospital to ensure that the probe remains “utterly independent“.

The decision was taken “to have regard for the traumatic effect on Savita’s husband and family and in the greater public interest at large”, Kenny said, adding that the move, by no way, “impugns the integrity” of the doctors.

He expressed hope that the investigation will be able to ascertain the truth, facts and circumstances surrounding the “very tragic” death of Savita.

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