Family Accuses Duty Doctor of Refusing Ward Visit as Patient’s Condition Worsened
Key Points:
- Sunil Kumar of New Barganda denied oxygen despite breathing difficulties
- ICU bed was available but patient was not shifted, family alleges
- Nagar Thana police begin probe; doctor reportedly asked family to bring patient to him
GIRIDIH — A man admitted to Giridih Sadar Hospital died on Friday after his family alleged that he was denied oxygen and an available ICU bed despite his rapidly deteriorating condition.
The deceased, Sunil Kumar, was a resident of the New Barganda locality of Giridih. His condition worsened suddenly on Friday. His family then rushed him to the Giridih Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment.
However, his condition continued to decline after admission. The family alleged that despite his growing breathing difficulty, no oxygen was administered to him.
Moreover, they claimed that an ICU bed was vacant at the time. Yet the hospital did not shift him there. In contrast, the patient was left without critical care in the general ward.
The deceased’s younger brother, Punil Kumar, told reporters that when Sunil’s condition turned critical, the family rushed to summon the duty doctor. On the other hand, instead of coming to the ward, the doctor reportedly told the family to bring the patient to him.
“By the time we tried to move him, it was too late,” said a family member, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Sunil Kumar died before receiving any effective intervention.
The news of his death set off an immediate and angry uproar at the hospital. A large number of relatives and local residents gathered at the premises. They raised loud protests alleging serious negligence in treatment. The hospital compound turned completely tense for a period.
Nagar Thana police arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control. Nagar Thana in-charge Ratan Kumar Singh stated that the matter was under investigation. He added that necessary action would be taken based on the complaint received.
This is not the first time a government hospital in Jharkhand has faced allegations of medical negligence. Earlier this year, a similar controversy erupted at a hospital in Dhori when a newborn’s breathing stopped due to oxygen depletion. The healthcare system in Jharkhand has faced repeated scrutiny over the adequacy of critical care facilities at district-level hospitals. Whether the oxygen and ICU denial allegations at Giridih are substantiated will depend on the outcome of the police inquiry.
