According to the news reports, the deceased, a tea garden worker, was admitted to the hospital early Thursday morning with complaints of dysentery and fever. He reportedly died without receiving appropriate medical attention.
Also Read: 33-year-old woman and newborn die at Hyderabad Hospital, kin alleges negligence
Speaking to Siliguri Times, the deceased patient’s brother claimed the family was harassed and denied timely care. In response, relatives gathered at the hospital, staging a protest and demanding immediate investigation and action against the responsible medical staff.
The situation intensified until officials from the Naxalbari police and the block health department arrived at the hospital. Their intervention and assurances led to the eventual withdrawal of the protest.
Meanwhile, the mother of the deceased patient has filed a formal complaint against the on-duty doctor, accusing the hospital of negligence leading to her son’s death. Dr. Ghosh confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated. Speaking to Siliguri Times, BMOH Dr. Kuntal Ghosh stated that the matter is under investigation and the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the autopsy.
On Friday, the deceased patient’s body was sent to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) for autopsy. Police officials are continuing their inquiry into the matter.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over healthcare infrastructure and responsiveness in rural hospitals.
Also Read: Pharmacist solely runs Prayagraj PHC for 5 years amid doctor shortage
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that amid a prolonged shortage of doctors and other medical staff, the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Lalgopalganj, under the Kaudihar block of Soraon tehsil in Prayagraj, has been functioning for the past five years with only a single pharmacist acting as the sole healthcare provider, attending to 20 to 30 patients daily. Rajesh Maurya, the pharmacist at Lalgopalganj PHC, has been unofficially fulfilling the role of a doctor, both prescribing and dispensing medicines based on what he considers the most appropriate treatment.
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