Purba Bardhaman, 20 September (H.S.): Tension prevailed at Mankar Rural Hospital in Purba Bardhaman district after relatives of a deceased patient allegedly vandalised the hospital and assaulted nurses and healthcare workers, accusing the hospital authorities of medical negligence.

According to hospital sources, Budhan Bauri, a resident of Mankar, suddenly fell ill on Saturday night and was brought to the rural hospital by his family members. The doctor and nurses on duty began treatment and kept him under observation after providing preliminary care.

After some time, Budhan reportedly felt better, following which the attending doctors advised his family to take him home. The family, however, claimed that his condition deteriorated again on the way home and that he subsequently died.

Alleging that the death was caused by negligence in treatment, the relatives returned to the hospital and allegedly went on a rampage. Witnesses claimed that emergency department equipment and furniture were damaged during the incident.

As the situation turned tense, nurses and healthcare workers on duty reportedly took shelter inside a room and locked the door from inside. The protesters allegedly kicked open the door and assaulted nurses and female healthcare workers.

Police from Budbud police station reached the hospital after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination on Sunday morning. Police said efforts were underway to identify those involved in the vandalism and alleged assault.

Following the incident, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers at the hospital expressed concern over their safety. From Sunday morning, they staged a protest outside the main gate, demanding adequate security.

A protesting doctor said healthcare workers could not provide services if their safety was at risk and demanded written assurances and concrete security measures from the administration.

Services in all departments except the emergency unit were suspended at the hospital as the healthcare workers continued their protest.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey