Jamtara (Jharkhand), July 17 (IANS) A major controversy has erupted in Jamtara district of Jharkhand following the death of a pregnant woman and her newborn allegedly due to medical negligence.
The incident has triggered protests, vandalism at the district hospital, a doctors’ strike, and the registration of an FIR against several BJP leaders.
Angry local residents vandalised the Jamtara Sadar Hospital premises on Thursday evening and blocked a key road for several hours following the deaths.
In response to the violence, doctors and healthcare workers in the district launched an indefinite strike on Friday.
Meanwhile, hospital authorities lodged an FIR against eight people on charges of obstructing government work and damaging public property. Several unidentified individuals have also been named as accused.
The controversy began after the death of 22-year-old Reena Devi, a resident of Sarkarbandh (Mahulgal) area of Jamtara town, and her newborn child.
According to family members, Reena was taken to the Sadar Hospital after experiencing labour pain, but negligence in treatment allegedly led to complications.
They further alleged that despite being referred to another medical facility, a government ambulance was not made available on time. As a result, she was being transported in a private vehicle when both the mother and the newborn died on the way.
Following the deaths, grieving family members and local residents staged a protest at the hospital. The demonstration turned violent, hospital premises were vandalised road was blocked which disrupted traffic for several hours.
Subsequently, district authorities held discussions with the bereaved family and assured them of support. The administration promised a contractual government job for the deceased woman’s husband, financial assistance to the family, and the immediate suspension of the ANM who was on duty at the time of the incident.
A medical board has also been constituted to investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths.
Protesting against the violence at the hospital, doctors and healthcare personnel began an indefinite strike on Friday following a call by the Jharkhand Medical Association and the Medical and Public Health Employees’ Union.
While emergency services are continuing, outpatient department (OPD) services at the Sadar Hospital have been affected due to the strike.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari condemned the vandalism at the medical facility, stating that violence against healthcare institutions cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
He directed the district administration to take swift and stringent action against those involved in the incident.
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(Written with inputs from IANS)
