Outrage erupted in West Singhbhum district after a shocking display of medical negligence at Chakradharpur Sub-Divisional Hospital. A destitute father from rural Jharkhand had to lug his dead infant’s body in a makeshift cardboard coffin, exposing the grim realities of public health services.
Three days prior, Ram Krishna Hembram brought his pregnant wife Rita Tiriya to the facility for childbirth. The delivery occurred on Saturday, but tragedy struck moments later when the newborn succumbed. Relatives allege gross incompetence by doctors and nurses prevented any chance of survival.
Post-mortem, rather than aiding the devastated family, officials hustled them out, denying an ambulance despite pleas. Penniless and desperate, Hembram improvised with a carton box, trudging miles to Bangrasai village in Karaiakela area with his baby’s remains.
The viral image of this poignant journey has mobilized villagers, who staged protests outside the hospital. They decry the routine mistreatment of the underprivileged, insisting a simple ambulance ride was the least owed in basic compassion.
Demands are pouring in for a thorough inquiry by higher authorities, punishment for those responsible, and financial aid to the family. ‘Government hospitals should be sanctuaries, not graveyards for the poor,’ remarked a local elder.
In response, Dr. Anshuman Sharma, the hospital head, clarified no formal aid request was made. He noted availability of the Mamta ambulance service and lamented the communication gap. Advising better patient-hospital dialogue, he affirmed the staff’s distress over the episode.
This case spotlights chronic woes like equipment shortages and apathetic service in Jharkhand’s healthcare. With public anger simmering, officials face mounting pressure to reform and prevent future heartbreaks.