Rabies-infected minor dies after Tura hospitals ‘refuse’ admission
TURA, April 26: An 11-year-old child suffering from rabies allegedly died after being denied medical treatment in two of Tura's top hospitals on Friday.
The incident came to light after social activist Greneth Sangma filed a complaint with the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, demanding stringent action against Tura Civil Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital after they allegedly refused to admit the minor for the treatment of rabies.
"I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a shocking incident of medical negligence resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old child, Netera Sangma. I have spoken directly with the child's father, who provided a first-hand account confirming that they were callously turned away by both Tura Civil Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital," he said in the complaint filed on Saturday.
According to sources, the child was suffering from a suspected case of rabies and was referred from Dadenggre CHC to Tura Civil Hospital on Friday, with the expectation of receiving care, only to be refused.
"When her family rushed her to Holy Cross Hospital on Friday night in a desperate attempt to save her life, they were met with further refusal. This series of events led to the child passing away in an ambulance while returning home, effectively denied the right to medical care and the dignity of a peaceful end," Greneth said.
The activist stated that the actions of these institutions constituted a grave failure of medical duty and a direct violation of the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
"It is a well-settled principle of law, established by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark case (Parmanand Katara vs. Union of India), that no private or government hospital can refuse emergency medical aid. The excuse of 'no beds' or 'lack of isolation facilities' does not absolve a hospital of its legal responsibility to provide stabilisation to a critical patient," Greneth asserted.
He said that by failing to provide even basic palliative care or a safe, stabilised referral, these hospitals acted in complete disregard of their professional ethics and legal obligations, effectively abandoning a child in her final moments.
He sought a judicial or magisterial inquiry into the case of the death of an 11-year-old on an immediate basis.
"This serious matter needs to be addressed through an immediate, time-bound judicial or magisterial inquiry to determine why both Tura Civil Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital denied admission to a critically ill child. Furthermore, I demand that stern administrative action be taken against the staff and hospital administrators on duty, who failed to uphold the law and their medical oath. Additionally, given the irreversible loss suffered by the family due to this systemic incompetence, I request that your office initiate appropriate ex-gratia compensation for the grieving parents," the activist said.
He also sought a comprehensive audit of all emergency and isolation infrastructure in Tura's medical facilities to ensure that no other family in the future is forced to watch their loved one die due to administrative negligence.
"On behalf of the citizens of Garo Hills, I strongly object to the disrespect shown towards patients, and I request that your authority look into this matter and take stern action for the violation of human rights law," Greneth added.
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