Dhanbad: A major commotion erupted at Shivam Hospital, located in Bhelatand under the Barwadda police station area, on Tuesday following the death of a four-year-old girl.
The family accused the hospital management of gross negligence in her treatment. Local political figures also arrived at the hospital to protest. The situation became so tense that an attempt was even made to assault a doctor. However, the matter was eventually resolved after the hospital management provided a cheque for ₹4 lakh to the family of the deceased child. Notably, the family did not file any formal written complaint against the doctor.
According to reports, Abhilash Mahto, a resident of Bhelatand, had admitted his four-year-old daughter to Shivam Hospital after she developed a fever. Following her death, the family alleged that there had been severe negligence during her treatment. They claimed that no doctor attended to the child for nearly 24 hours, leaving her care entirely in the hands of a compounder. These allegations triggered a heated protest by the family and local residents at the hospital.
Upon receiving information, the police arrived at the scene and attempted to pacify the crowd, but the agitated individuals remained firm in their demand for action against the hospital management. Local political leaders also intervened. After prolonged discussions, the hospital management handed over a cheque for ₹4 lakh to the family, bringing the dispute to an end.
This incident has raised serious questions regarding the healthcare system and the accountability of hospitals. While some local leaders have framed the securing of compensation for the family as an achievement, others are questioning whether financial compensation should effectively terminate any investigation into allegations of medical negligence or absolve the hospital of accountability. As no formal complaint was filed by the family, the status of any potential legal action remains unclear.
Following the incident, a team from the Dhanbad Health Department also visited the hospital to gather details about the entire matter. Investigating officer Dr. Vikas Rana assessed the hospital’s operations and identified its shortcomings. He stated that he would submit a report detailing the deficiencies found at the hospital to the Civil Surgeon.
The hospital operator, Neelkanth Mahto, has also presented his side regarding the matter. Meanwhile, the investigation report and any subsequent action by the Health Department are awaited.
