Kolkata, 10 June (H.S.) —A two-month-old infant died allegedly due to medical negligence at a primary health centre in Simlapal block of West Bengal’s Bankura district on Monday, sparking outrage among the family and local residents. The protest began late in the evening and continued into the night, culminating in a blockade of the Bankura–Jhargram state highway.

According to the family, the infant—who belonged to Dhanikhunia village in Simlapal—fell seriously ill on Monday evening and was rushed to the Simlapal Block Primary Health Centre. While a doctor admitted the baby, the family alleged that he soon left for the residential quarters located within the hospital premises.

Shortly thereafter, the infant began experiencing severe breathing difficulties. Despite repeated pleas by the parents to the nursing staff for urgent medical attention, they claimed the doctor failed to return even after being informed over the phone. The nurses too allegedly did not take sufficient steps to treat the child. The baby died later that evening.

The grieving family held the hospital responsible, stating that the death was a direct result of lack of timely medical intervention. Enraged by the incident, the family and locals staged a protest inside the hospital premises and demanded strict action against the attending doctor.

Tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked the Bankura–Jhargram state highway, disrupting vehicular movement. When police from Simlapal police station arrived to disperse the crowd and clear the blockade, they were met with stiff resistance from the protesters.

Despite repeated requests for a statement, the Simlapal block health official declined to comment on the incident. Meanwhile, local residents have called for justice for the bereaved family and are demanding an official investigation into the alleged medical negligence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh