Protests rocks two state-run hospitals in north Bengal, patient's kin point negligence finger

At Mekhliganj sub-divisional hospital of Cooch Behar, relatives of a lactating mother who died also resorted to ransacking on Sunday, prompting police to intervene

Paresh Adhikari (in white kurta), the TMC MLA of Mekhlianj, speaks with aggrieved relatives of a deceased patient at the hospital in Mekhliganj on Sunday : Picture by Main Uddin Chisti

TT, Mekhliganj/Raiganj, 21.10.24 : Protests rocked two state-run hospitals in north Bengal during the past 24 hours over the deaths of patients as their family members and relatives accused doctors and other staff of negligence.

At the Mekhliganj sub-divisional hospital of Cooch Behar, relatives of a lactating mother who died also resorted to ransacking on Sunday, prompting police to intervene.

At the Balurghat district hospital of South Dinajpur, family members of a youth who died at the hospital voiced protests on Saturday night.

Sagarika Roy, a pregnant woman from the Bagdokra-Fulkadabri area of Mekhliganj, was admitted to the sub-divisional hospital on Saturday afternoon. Around 8pm, she gave birth to a son. Around 2am on Sunday, suddenly she started bleeding and her condition deteriorated. Family members alleged that even though they had informed the on-duty nurse, she ignored the issue and kept on sleeping in the ward.

Later, when Sagarika developed breathing problems, the nurse tried artificial respiration by using oxygen but the woman died.

Angry relatives and neighbours stormed into the hospital, ransacked furniture and demonstrated on the premises, alleging that Sagarika had died due to negligence in treatment.

A police team reached the spot and brought the situation under control. They also detained three persons and whisked them away from the hospital.

On Sunday morning, Paresh Adhikary, the local Trinamool MLA and chairman of the patients’ welfare committee of the hospital, reached the spot and spoke with the family and hospital staff.

“The family members ransacked some window panes and demonstrated at the hospital. We told them that should file a complaint with the police if they have any grievance. They didn’t agree and eventually left with the body,” said Adhikary.

In Balurghat, 24-year-old Aditya Mohanta died on Saturday night at the district hospital. His family members said he was a migrant worker in Delhi. A few days back, he had returned home. On Thursday, he complained of breathing problems and was admitted to the hospital.

“Instead of getting better, he got worse. We feel he didn't get proper treatment and want a probe,” said Bikram, his brother.

On Saturday, as the news of his death spread, his kin demonstrated at the hospital. They dispersed only when authorities intervened.

“We have asked them to file a complaint with us for a probe,” said Krishnendu Bikash Bag, the hospital superintendent.

Hunger strike

Sandip Mondal, a junior doctor of Siliguri's NBMCH, continued with his fast-unto-death strike for the seventh day on Sunday as a part of the ongoing agitation by junior doctors in the wake of the RG Kar crime.