Doctor’s negligence: Three booked for protesting in hospital

Family claims the doctor was absent from duty for 45 minutes

HARIPUR: A criminal case was registered against three people who had protested against the alleged negligence of doctors and paramedical staff which led to the death of a woman at a rural health centre
in Khanpur.

Dr Zawar, a medical officer at the RHC told police that on Friday night a woman, later identified as Rashida Bibi, in her 50s, was brought to the hospital. The medical officer said that since Dr Chiragh, who was supposed to be emergency duty, was not available at the time, he proceeded to examine the patient. He discovered that Rashida Bibi, hailing from Dara Khanpur, had already passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest.

Her family members, on being informed about her death, got infuriated and attacked the medical staff and ransacked a portion of the RHC. Dr Zawar further accused the suspects of tearing his clothes and hurling abuses at him.

However, Arif Beg, the brother- in- law of the deceased woman said, he had taken Rashida Bibi to the hospital at around 9:45 pm after she complained of chest pains. He added that no doctors or paramedical staff were available at the RHC to examine her.

After 45 minutes, one of their acquaintances called a doctor at the hotel where he was reportedly having tea.

“By the time the doctor arrived to examine Rashida Bibi, she had died,” Beg lamented, adding that they only verbally protested the doctor’s negligence and held him responsible for the death of his sister-in- law. He instead accused the doctor of becoming abusive and harsh when his negligence was pointed out.

Beg denied attacking the doctor or ransacking the hospital.

Meanwhile on the complaint of Dr Zawar, the Khanpur police on Sunday registered a criminal case against Arif Beg, his brothers Asghar Beg and Naseer Beg under section 186, 189 and 506 of the PPC.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2016.