Vijayawada: A 38-year-old man died at the Atchampeta Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, after reportedly being denied timely treatment, prompting the suspension of the on-duty doctor and sparking public outrage.
Reports state that the patient suffered severe seizures on Sunday morning and was brought to the PHC around 9:15 a.m. However, the doctor was allegedly absent from duty. The nurse on-site reportedly advised the family to transfer the patient to the Sattenapalli dispensary. While arrangements for transport were being made, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he died at the PHC around 9:45 a.m.
Following the incident, the family staged a dharna in front of the PHC, accusing the staff of negligence and demanding accountability. Tensions escalated when the victim’s wife, Jaan Bi, and children reportedly threatened self-harm by pouring petrol over themselves, though police intervened to pacify them. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
Upon learning of the incident, Palnadu District Medical and Health Officer Dr Ravi suspended the on-duty doctor on Sunday evening, citing dereliction of duty.
Medical Dialogues noted that similar suspensions have occurred in the past, such as an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Government Mother and Child Hospital in Basava Kalyana, who was suspended and transferred following a medical negligence case. The doctor was later moved to the Community Health Centre at Kudalasangama, Bagalkot district.
