From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 27: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the recent death of an 11-year-old girl from Dadenggre, a suspected rabies case, who was reportedly denied treatment by two prominent Tura hospitals on account of lack of beds.
The victim, Netera Sangma, was first taken to the Tura Civil Hospital and then to the Holy Cross Hospital both of which failed to admit her citing absence of seats. She was taken back home by her family members but succumbed to her illness on the way.
The order for the conduct of a magisterial inquiry was issued by the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner on Sunday after it was sought by Dadenggre MLA Rupa M. Marak.
The incident came to light after social activist Greneth Sangma filed a complaint with the West Garo Hills DC, demanding stringent action against Tura Civil Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital after they allegedly refused to admit the minor for the treatment of rabies.
“I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a shocking incident of medical negligence resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old child, Netera Sangma. I have spoken directly with the child’s father, who provided a first-hand account confirming that they were callously turned away by both Tura Civil Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital,” he said in the complaint filed on Saturday.
According to sources, the child was suffering from a suspected case of rabies and was referred from Dadenggre CHC to Tura Civil Hospital on Friday, with the expectation of receiving care, only to be refused.
“When her family rushed her to Holy Cross Hospital on Friday night in a desperate attempt to save her life, they were met with further refusal. This series of events led to the child passing away in an ambulance while returning home, effectively denied the right to medical care and the dignity of a peaceful end,” Greneth said.
The activist stated that the actions of these institutions constituted a grave failure of medical duty and a direct violation of the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
