Bihar: Boy's death sparks protests at DMCH

DARBHANGA: The death of a 14-year-old boy, Gyani Thakur, due to alleged breakdown of nebulizer in the paediatrics department of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital ( DMCH ) led to aggressive protests by the attendants of the patients and locals on Monday.

The protesters even blocked the road near the hospital, hampering the movement of doctors and other staff of the hospital.

Later, some hospital staff and officials persuaded the protesters to lift the blockade.

Dr K N Mishra, head of DMCH paediatrics department, said the child was suffering from tuberculosis meningitis and was mentally retarded since birth. “His parents were told on Sunday that the condition of child is serious and attempt is being made to save him but his condition deteriorated and he died on Monday morning,” Dr Mishra added.

Meanwhile, those agitating in the hospital for delay in ultrasound, joined the parents and relatives of the child and started protesting.

DMCH deputy superintendent Dr Baleshwar Sagar, presently in-charge superintendent, said three of four ultrasound machines in the radiology department had been non-functional due to technical reasons since November 7.

“Only one ultrasound machine is working and each day 100 to 150 patients come for ultrasound investigation. Hence, commotion and protest takes place every day on this issue,” he said

Dr Sagar added that that superintendent Dr R R Prasad has written several letters to the Bihar State Medical Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BSMICL) for repair of the machines, but to no avail.

“The superintendent recently met officials of BSMICL at Patna with a request to repair the machines. They said technicians would be sent, but nothing has been done so far,” he said.