Frédéric Péchier, a 53-year-old former anaesthetist, was sentenced to life in prison for intentionally poisoning 30 patients, 12 of whom died as a result of his actions. Péchier was convicted at the end of a four-month trial in the eastern city of Besançon, France.

According to the prosecution, Péchier introduced chemicals such as potassium chloride or adrenaline into the infusion bags of patients, triggering cardiac arrest or haemorrhaging in some cases. This often required emergency intervention in the operating theatre, which Péchier was able to provide, posing as the patient's saviour. However, in 12 cases, Péchier was unable to intervene in time, or it was too late, and the patient died.

Prosecutors described Péchier as "Doctor Death, a poisoner, a murderer" who brought shame on the medical profession. "You have turned this clinic into a graveyard," they said. Dr. Jean-Luc Eisele, a medical expert who testified in the trial, stated that Péchier's actions were "a betrayal of the trust that patients place in their doctors." Eisele added that Péchier's use of chemicals was "a clear case of medical malpractice" that had devastating consequences for his patients.

The case highlights the importance of proper medical training and the need for healthcare professionals to adhere to strict protocols and guidelines. "This case is a wake-up call for the medical community," said Dr. Sophie Brouard, a leading expert in medical ethics. "It shows that even the most trusted professionals can fall victim to the pressures of their work and the desire for control."

Péchier's victims ranged in age from four to 89, and the youngest survivor, a four-year-old child, experienced two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil surgery in 2016. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability in the French healthcare system.

Frédéric Péchier will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison before he is eligible for parole. The case is expected to have significant implications for the French medical community and will likely lead to a review of the country's medical malpractice laws.