Ludhiana man dies after injection at clinic, family alleges medical negligence

Ludhiana: A 27-year-old man died shortly after allegedly receiving an injection at a clinic in Ludhiana's Islam Ganj area on Wednesday, with his family accusing the doctor of medical negligence. The incident led to protests outside the clinic, following which police took the doctor into custody and launched an investigation. 

According to reports, the deceased, a mobile phone repair mechanic, was preparing to travel to his native village in Bihar's Samastipur district to celebrate Chhath Puja. He was scheduled to board a train early Wednesday morning but developed severe abdominal pain. His relatives subsequently took him to Babbar Clinic in Islam Ganj for treatment.

According to a friend who accompanied him, the man had walked into the clinic complaining of stomach pain. His brother also told police that the man's blood pressure had risen before the doctor administered an injection. The family alleged that his condition worsened immediately afterwards. He reportedly walked only a few steps before experiencing further discomfort and collapsing.

A woman from the family alleged that the doctor had advised them to take the patient to a hospital but administered the injection while she stepped outside to arrange a rickshaw.

“The doctor said my brother-in-law should be taken to the hospital. Just when I went out to get a rickshaw, the doctor administered him an injection. He died shortly after that,” she said, India Today reported. 

The family further alleged that the doctor behaved inappropriately when confronted over the incident. They also claimed that the man's mother had previously died following improper treatment by the same doctor, and demanded an inquiry into both cases.

Following the man's death, his relatives and local residents gathered outside the clinic, alleging medical negligence and demanding strict action. They also questioned whether the doctor had a valid licence to administer injections and sought intervention by the Drug Inspector.

The deceased was married and is survived by his wife and two young daughters. Police reached the spot and pacified the protesters, who agreed to call off their demonstration after receiving assurances of a thorough inquiry.

Police have taken the doctor into custody. Officials said his medical credentials and licence would be verified with the Drug Inspector. The post-mortem report and other investigation findings will be examined to establish the cause of death and determine whether medical negligence was involved.