Tragic Death of Video Journalist Raises Concerns Over Dialysis Unit in Kalimpong District Hospital

KalimNews, September 25, 2024, Kalimpong :  A video journalist with Ekta TV in Kalimpong, Sunil Prasad, tragically passed away while undergoing dialysis at the Kalimpong District Hospital today, September 25, 2024. Prasad had been receiving dialysis for the past three years and had been in Kalimpong for the last month to address his kidney-related issues.

The Dialysis Unit of Kalimpong District Hospital was established on August 21, 2024, and is operated by Sterling Healthcare Agency. The public has demanded a judicial inquiry into Prasad’s death.

He was scheduled for dialysis on September 24, but due to a water shortage, as communicated by the technician, he was instructed to return on September 25. On that day, shortly after his dialysis began, Sunil experienced complications and was immediately transferred to the emergency room, where he was pronounced dead.

The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked public outcry, leading to demands for a judicial inquiry.  A joint meeting took place involving the public, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), the Hospital Superintendent, and Suman Mazumder, the SDO of Kalimpong. 

The SDO explained that a nephrologist is not appointed at any district hospital.

Family members and local residents are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, and compensation for Prasad’s bereaved family.

The community continues to seek answers and justice for Sunil Prasad, as concerns over the hospital's capacity to handle critical medical needs intensify.

Allegations of deaths among dialysis patients at the two-month-old dialysis unit of Kalimpong District Hospital have surfaced.