Probe into medical negligence, overcharging at Ranchi hospital after patient's death
Ranchi: Following allegations of medical negligence and overcharging by the family of a patient who died after nearly a month of treatment at a private hospital, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered an inquiry into the matter.
The deceased, Raju Kumar Pandey, a resident of Latehar district, was admitted to the hospital in the state capital in a critical condition after a road accident on May 24. He died on Saturday.
After his death, the family staged a protest at the hospital, alleging that he died after developing a severe infection due to medical negligence and that they had been overcharged for his treatment, an official said.
A spokesperson of the private hospital denied all charges, and asserted that all procedures followed established medical protocols.
Taking cognisance of the matter, Hemant Soren ordered the deputy commissioner of Ranchi to take immediate action and conduct an investigation into the matter.
A video of the family members allegedly resorting to vandalism at the private hospital has been widely shared on social media. However, PTI could not independently verify the clip's veracity.
In a post on 'X' on Saturday, Soren ordered the deputy commissioner of Ranchi to take immediate cognisance of the matter and conduct an investigation into it. “Ensure strict action against all culprits and inform accordingly,” he said.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantari immediately instructed the civil surgeon to conduct a thorough probe into the matter, an official said.
“Two doctors from the district hospital have been tasked with visiting the private facility and preparing a detailed report,” said Dr Bimlesh Kumar Singh, the deputy superintendent of Sadar Hospital.
Rejecting the allegations, the private hospital’s spokesperson said that all treatment provided to the patient, including ventilator support, surgeries, blood transfusions and ICU care, followed established medical protocols.
“The doctors had advised amputation of the patient’s left leg because of extensive vascular damage and infection. The family declined,” he said and also denied allegations that the victim’s kin were overcharged to the tune of more than Rs 20 lakh.
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