UP sacks doctor for child’s death after delay in treatment

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sacked the chief medical officer of a government hospital in Bahraich district on Thursday over the death of a 10-month-old child on August 9 following delay in treatment as its parents could not bribe the hospital staff.

Taking action for “negligence”, Mr. Yadav said in a statement: “Strict action will be taken against those officials who neglect patients.” An inquiry is under way.

The National Human Rights Commission served a notice on the State government, taking

suo motu cognisance of media reports of the death. The State has four weeks to reply.

The NHRC observed that the death was a “serious issue of violation of right to life of poor patients”. “The government hospitals are approached by general public, especially the poor people, who cannot afford expensive treatment at private hospitals. Timely treatment in this case could have saved a precious human life,” it said.

The nurse allegedly demanded money to get the documents in order, while the sweeper in the ward asked for a bribe to place the child with high fever on the bed, the commission said quoting reports.

Injection delayed

The next morning, a medical assistant came and asked for money for a crucial injection, which is normally given free. An argument broke out, and before the injection could be administered, the child died.

Reports said the father of the child, a labourer, alleged that every staff member, except the doctors who had private practice, wanted a bribe. “I think one should sell one's land and go to a private hospital,” he said.

The sweeper was removed from his job and the nurse transferred.