Unfortunate: Delhi based anesthesiologist and OT technician lose life in hit and run accident

New Delhi: In an unfortunate incident, a doctor and an operating theatre technician, both employees of the Delhi Government Hospital, died as a result of a hit-and-run accident, which took place on Feb 20 (Sunday).

The victims were identified as Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, who worked with Dada Dev Hospital, and Manish Kumar, a technician at Acharya Bhikshu Hospital.

The incident took place when Kumar was riding a motorcycle with Dr. Ranjan as a pillion rider. Around 11.35 am near Najafgarh metro station, an SUV car was driving rashly towards the direction of Tuda Mandi and crushed them both. Soon the locals noticed the incident and rushed to Kalyani Hospital, where the doctors referred them to Venkateshwara Hospital. Dr. Ranjan was declared brought dead and Kumar was under treatment when he told the police details about the incident.

Also, read- 7 MBBS Students Killed In Road Accident, PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex Gratia Each

The family members of Dr. Ranjan alleged that he could have been saved if a doctor at Venkateshwara Hospital in Dwarka operated upon him. They told that they had to wait for eight hours before anyone came to treat the injured man, but the hospital denied these allegations.

Ranjan is survived by his wife, Rashmi who is also a doctor, and a three-year-old son. Rashmi told TOI, "My husband went to give anesthesia to a patient at Kalyani Hospital and Manish was dropping him at the metro station. Even though he worked at a different hospital, Ranjan would never say no when asked to help someone. I want the strictest punishment given to the driver for ruining two families."

Dr. Rashmi talking about her husband's dreams added, "He would say I want to give employment to at least 100 people and provide treatment to as many people as I can." Having undergone two hip surgeries, she was at home and had been confined to bed for a while. They were discussing when she could head back to work.

Kumar is survived by his wife and two children aged 15 and 12 years and he was the sole breadwinner. Both the medical technician's parents died a year ago and his siblings live separately.

Also read- Rajkot: 4 Homeopathy Students Die In Car Crash

His brother, Harish Kumar, told TOI, "Manish's wife and children were completely dependent on him for everything. All his life he worked in an operation theatre and helped others, but when it came to someone helping him, no one did. We waited in the hospital from 3 pm to 8 pm, but nobody came to treat him for his injuries."

Denying the accusations, the Venkateshwara Hospital told "He was seen by a qualified gastrointestinal surgeon and a general surgeon, and investigations were carried out promptly in the emergency ward itself. It was a sudden deterioration and due to no active bleeding so the qualified surgeons decided not to operate."

Harish said his brother was a Covid warrior who had even carried oxygen cylinders on his back for the use of patients. "We have asked Delhi's health minister for compensation because Manish was a contract employee and wasn't eligible for benefits like regular employees."

An incident of negligence and rash driving that resulted in death has been reported at Najafgarh police station, but no arrests have been made, and the errant vehicle remains unidentified.

Also read- Unfortunate: Woman Doctor Dead, Other Injured In Road Accident In Chennai