Alleged Medical Negligence: 21-year-old woman dies, kin seek action
Medical Negligence
Nagaon: The death of a 21-year-old woman in Nagaon, Assam, has raised significant concerns about the state's medical facilities and the timeliness of care. In response, her father, Dr. Surajit Kumar Bhagwat, a professor at Nowgong College, has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
The complainant alleges medical negligence as the cause of his daughter's death. According to the news reports, on December 16, 2024, Dr. Bhagwat’s daughter suddenly fell ill and lost consciousness. In an attempt to save his daughter, Dr. Bhagwat immediately rushed her to a private clinic in Nagaon, where she was treated right away. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly. The clinic, which lacked vital emergency equipment such as an ECG machine and oxygen facilities, recommended that she be transferred to Nagaon Medical College for further care.
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Upon arrival at Nagaon Medical College, Dr. Bhagwat encountered another horrifying setback. The emergency department was understaffed, and there were no doctors available to provide immediate care. Despite waiting for a significant period, no immediate treatment was provided. Dr. Bhagwat, in a state of despair, decided to take his daughter to another private hospital. Tragically, by the time they arrived, it was too late—his daughter passed away, having been unable to receive the crucial oxygen support.
Following this incident, Dr Bhagwat has accused both Nursing Home and Nagaon Medical College of failing to fulfill their responsibilities in providing the necessary medical attention and care.
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According to Assam Times, Dr Bhagwat shared the painful experience of watching his daughter die before his eyes and emphasized the need for improvements in the healthcare system to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He has demanded accountability from the authorities and legal action against those responsible.
The Human Rights Commission has taken the allegations seriously and registered a case, instructing an investigation into the incident. Additionally, the District Magistrate has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the negligence at both the private clinic and the government hospital.
This incident has drawn widespread attention to the severe shortcomings in Assam’s healthcare system. Many are now questioning whether the state government and healthcare officials are truly addressing the gaps in the healthcare system.
