Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Sep 21: Relatives of a deceased patient allegedly vandalised Mankar Rural Hospital in West Burdwan district on Sunday, accusing the medical staff of improper treatment that led to his death.
The incident, which occurred in the Budbud police station area, also saw nurses and other health workers allegedly assaulted, triggering tension on the hospital premises.
Following the violence, doctors, nurses and other health workers launched a strike, demanding adequate security at the hospital.
According to reports, Budhan Bauri, a resident of Mankar, fell ill on Saturday night and was brought to the hospital for treatment.
After receiving initial treatment, he was kept under observation. Doctors later advised his family to take him home, saying his condition appeared to have improved.
However, Budhan reportedly fell ill again while being taken home and died.
Following his death, his relatives allegedly returned to the hospital and went on a rampage, damaging equipment and furniture in the emergency department.
Eyewitnesses said the group also broke into a room where nurses and other health workers had taken shelter and allegedly assaulted them, including female staff.
Police from Budbud police station rushed to the hospital and brought the situation under control.
Budhan's body was recovered and sent for autopsy on Sunday morning. Police and authorities are also making efforts to identify those allegedly involved in the violence.
The incident has left hospital staff concerned about their safety while on duty.
Doctors, nurses and other employees have been protesting outside the hospital's main gate since Sunday morning, demanding written assurances from the administration and specific security measures.
“If our lives are in danger at work, how will we provide services? Until the administration gives us written assurances and security, our protest will continue,” a doctor said.
Except for the emergency department, all other services at the hospital have been suspended following the incident.