Tragic Incident Highlights Negligence in Hazaribagh Medical College
The healthcare crisis in India has taken a disturbing turn, as demonstrated by a tragic incident at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Despite having the facilities to deliver care, a lack of proper maintenance and oversight has transformed these assets into potential hazards for patients. A stark example of this failure is seen in the case of a road accident victim who lost his life due to the unavailability of oxygen.
The Incident: A Life Cut Short
On September 26, Kalicharan Gop, a resident of Gwalatoli Chowk, was seriously injured when he was struck by a runaway pickup truck on Hurhuru Road. He was promptly rushed to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College, where his condition quickly deteriorated. He began experiencing severe breathing difficulties, prompting medical staff to connect him to an oxygen supply. However, in a shocking turn of events, all three oxygen cylinders they attempted to use were empty, leading to Kalicharan’s untimely death.
Family’s Outcry and Hospital’s Response
Kalicharan’s brother, Umesh Gop, has since filed a complaint with local law enforcement, condemning the hospital’s gross negligence. “The first oxygen cylinder was empty, followed by the second and third. How could this happen in a medical establishment?” he lamented. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Anusan Purti acknowledged the allegations and stated that an investigation is underway. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
Underlying Issues: The Oxygen Plant Dilemma
It has come to light that the hospital has operational oxygen plants; however, two of these plants have been non-functional for over a year. Local resident Devendra Singh Dev pointed out that this is not an isolated incident. “There are many cases like this that continue to emerge from Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College. The hospital is in a state of disrepair. Staff often cannot differentiate between full and empty oxygen cylinders, which poses a significant risk to patients’ lives,” he stated.
Conclusion
This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for the healthcare system not just in Jharkhand but across India. The negligence observed at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in hospital management, regular maintenance of medical equipment, and proper training for healthcare professionals. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is for accountability and systemic improvements to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
