🏥 Critical Patient Allegedly Refused Admission
The Allahabad High Court has expressed shock after the emergency department at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, allegedly denied admission to a critically ill woman due to non-availability of beds. The woman reportedly died the following day without receiving the necessary treatment.
📜 Case Background
🚨 FIR in Alleged Dowry Death
The matter came before the court during hearings on a petition linked to an FIR registered at Kherighat police station in Bahraich district in an alleged dowry death case. During proceedings, the bench examined a report submitted by KGMU regarding the circumstances of the patient’s visit.
🕒 Timeline of Events
☠️ Suspected Poisoning Case
According to the hospital report, on August 29, 2025, at around 2:33 am, the woman—allegedly poisoned—was brought to the emergency department in critical condition. The initial medical opinion noted “suspected rat kill poisoning at 10 pm.” However, the hospital record stated: “regret no bed available, refer to Balrampur/RML hospital.” She was not admitted and later succumbed.
👩⚖️ Strong Observations by the Bench
😨 Court Terms Situation ‘Shocking’
While hearing the matter on February 11, a division bench headed by Abdul Moin and Babita Rani made sharp remarks. The bench observed that if the premier medical institute of the State Capital itself returns a critical patient citing lack of beds, it reflects poorly on the state of healthcare facilities. “We are shocked!” the court stated.
📑 Directions to State Authorities
🏛️ Chief Secretary Asked to Submit Report
The court directed the Chief Secretary to examine the issue of adequate infrastructure and facilities in medical colleges and submit a detailed report by March 19. It further ordered that the report must be placed on record through the personal affidavit of the Principal Secretary (Home), warning that non-compliance could lead to personal appearance before the court.
🔬 Delay in Forensic Investigation
⏳ Four-Month Wait for FSL Report
The bench also expressed concern over delays in forensic examination. It noted that the victim’s viscera was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory on September 26, 2025, yet even after four months, no report had been submitted. The court emphasized that timely forensic reports are essential in criminal investigations.
⚠️ Court’s Warning on Systemic Lapses
📢 Accountability Must Be Ensured
The court remarked that if there is a shortage of staff or laboratories, it is the State’s responsibility to address the issue promptly. It added that citizens should not be compelled to approach courts merely to obtain routine forensic reports, underscoring the need for administrative accountability.
🏨 Burden on KGMU and Ethical Concerns
🩺 Emergency Care Responsibilities
KGMU reportedly has around 4,500 beds, including nearly 400 in its trauma centre, which handles an average of 350 emergency patients daily. The OPD sees approximately 4,000 patients daily, sometimes exceeding 7,000. The court’s observations highlight the medico-legal and ethical obligations of emergency departments, particularly in poisoning cases where timely admission and intervention can be life-saving.
