3 deaths in 48 hrs at Hazaribag hosp spark outrage, probe ordered

Hazaribag: A series of deaths at Shaheed Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital over the past two days has triggered outrage, with family members alleging gross negligence, delayed treatment and a shortage of basic facilities, including oxygen support.The latest incident involved 21-year-old Shobha Kumari of Benjia village under Katkamsandi block, who allegedly died late Thursday night after developing complications during a blood transfusion following childbirth. She was admitted on May 13 and delivered a healthy baby girl. According to relatives, she remained stable until Thursday night.“They started the blood transfusion between midnight and 1 am. She repeatedly complained of uneasiness after the transfusion began, but nobody paid attention. By the time medical staff arrived, it was too late,” a relative alleged.On Thursday afternoon, 30-year-old Sarita Devi allegedly died after she wasn’t provided oxygen support on time, her family claimed.Soon after, 60-year-old Pawan Kumar Agarwal, a resident of Boddom Bazar mohalla near Mahavir Sthan temple in Hazaribag city, was admitted to the ICU after complaining of uneasiness. His relatives also alleged that oxygen support was delayed.“This huge hospital has become nothing more than a showpiece. Doctors and staff posted here merely complete formalities in the name of duty,” alleged his daughter, Rupa Goyal.Speaking to TOI on Friday evening, deputy commissioner (DC) Hemant Sati said he had been informed about the deaths at the govt hospital. “I can say that negligence was involved in these deaths,” he said. He also promised to formulate a plan soon to improve medical facilities at the hospital and take action against those found responsible for negligence.Hospital sources said another patient also died during the same period, taking the toll to four deaths in around 48 hours.“The hospital is turning into a death trap. If timely improvements are not made, a major agitation will be launched,” said Sadar MLA Pradip Prasad.