Outrage Erupts Over Alleged Patient Care Lapses at Madhya Pradesh’s Largest Government Hospital
A shocking incident at Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital in Indore has sparked widespread outrage after a viral video showed an 11-year-old boy being pushed on a stretcher by his parents under the scorching afternoon sun between MY Hospital and the Super Speciality Hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns over patient care and transport arrangements at one of Madhya Pradesh’s largest government-run healthcare facilities.
Following public backlash over the viral footage, hospital authorities initiated disciplinary action against several staff members. The attending doctor was penalized with a seven-day salary deduction, while three nurses faced a one-day pay cut each. The security in charge was suspended, and show-cause notices were issued to the hospital superintendent and a neurosurgeon. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1 lakh was imposed on the outsourced housekeeping and security agency.
Viral Video Triggers Questions Over Patient Transportation
The controversy began after a video recorded on June 6 surfaced online, showing the boy’s parents pushing him nearly a kilometre on a stretcher between the two hospital facilities amid extreme summer temperatures. The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting criticism over alleged negligence and inadequate patient transportation support.
According to reports, the child had been receiving treatment for neurological complications and had undergone a neuro-intervention procedure. The family claimed they were advised to seek further evaluation at the Super Speciality Hospital but were not provided with adequate assistance for transferring the patient safely.
Hospital Administration Denies Negligence Allegations
MY Hospital Superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav rejected claims that the child had been left without support. He stated that the patient was undergoing treatment for a prolonged neurological condition and that the family was seeking multiple medical opinions from different departments.
“The family was anxious about the child’s condition and repeatedly approached various doctors and departments. There was only a requirement for documentation and paperwork between the facilities, but they brought the child along,” Dr Yadav reportedly said.
He further clarified that the stretcher used during the journey had been provided by hospital staff and admitted that allowing it to be used for transportation between facilities was a procedural mistake. According to him, physically shifting the patient was not medically necessary at that stage, and confusion regarding referral procedures and documentation contributed to the situation.
Family Alleges Lack of Guidance and Assistance
The boy’s family, however, presented a different account of events. They alleged that after being referred to the Super Speciality Hospital due to a spinal condition, they were informed upon arrival that admission was not required and that only medical records needed to be reviewed.
According to the family, they were then forced to transport the child back to MY Hospital on their own because no official assistance was provided. The boy had reportedly been undergoing treatment for approximately 15 days.
Family members said the child endured severe discomfort during the journey in the intense heat, with his mother repeatedly using a wet cloth to cool him down and provide relief.
Fresh Controversy Adds to MY Hospital’s Troubled Record
The latest incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding MY Hospital. Earlier this year, the hospital came under scrutiny after a one-and-a-half-month-old infant allegedly lost a thumb following a medical procedure, leading to disciplinary action against healthcare staff and renewed criticism of patient safety standards.
The viral stretcher incident has once again highlighted concerns about patient management, inter-department coordination, and accountability within government healthcare institutions, prompting calls for stronger systems to ensure that patients and their families do not face similar hardships in the future.
