Bengal: Protest erupts in Malda hospital after minor’s death

Kolkata, Aug 11 (AHN) Alleging medical negligence leading to the death of an eight‑year‑old girl, protests erupted at Chanchal Super Speciality Hospital in Malda district on Tuesday.

Police reached the spot to control the situation.

The deceased girl’s home is in the Harishchandrapur police station area. She had been suffering from fever for two days.

As her condition deteriorated, she was brought to Chanchal Super Speciality Hospital and admitted to the paediatric department.

The family alleged that the doctor on duty, Soumen Sau, referred the girl to Malda Medical College and Hospital without providing proper treatment.

The girl died on the way to Malda Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday. After that, her family members started protesting at the hospital, alleging negligence against the doctor.

They argued with doctors, the hospital’s assistant superintendent and the authorities. When the situation became heated, police were informed and later brought the situation under control.

The deceased minor’s maternal uncle, Pradeep Das, alleged that the girl was referred without treatment.

He claimed the doctor on duty misbehaved with family members when they went to file a complaint. A written complaint was filed against the doctor.

However, Soumen Sau denied the allegations, telling local media persons that the charges of negligence were “completely false”.

He shifted responsibility for the incident to the hospital authorities.

The services of government hospitals and the role of doctors are again under the scanner due to the incident.

Families of other patients at the hospital demanded better treatment in government hospitals, especially after the change of government in the state.