Dehradun: Nearly two months after the tragic death of a one-and-a-half-year-old child due to lack of timely treatment, the Uttarakhand government has taken strict action against eight health officials and staff, including three doctors, for gross negligence at Bageshwar District Hospital.
Health Secretary Orders Disciplinary Measures
Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar acted after reviewing the district magistrate’s inquiry report and the replies to show-cause notices. Dr Tapan Sharma, Chief Medical Superintendent of Bageshwar District Hospital, has been removed immediately on charges of insensitivity, failure to provide ambulance services, and administrative lapses. He has now been attached to the director of health, Kumaon Division.
Tragic Incident of Neglect
Earlier, reports revealed that the infant, suffering from severe dehydration, was moved between five hospitals across four districts over six distressing days. Despite eventually being placed on a ventilator in Haldwani, the child did not survive due to repeated delays in treatment, lack of specialised care, and inadequate ambulance facilities.
Ambulance Staff Suspended
The drivers of the 108 ambulance service, Ishwar Singh Tolia and Lakshman Kumar, have been suspended for one month for alleged negligence and lack of sensitivity during the critical case. Strict disciplinary action has also been directed against them.
Warnings to Hospital Staff
Medical officer Dr Bhurendra Ghatial, nursing officers Mahesh Kumar and Himani, and ward servant Suraj Singh Kannal have been issued stern warnings for negligence. Meanwhile, paediatrician Dr Ankit Kumar has been marked with an adverse entry in his record for showing apathy towards the child’s condition.
Zero Tolerance for Negligence
Health Secretary Kumar emphasised that negligence in healthcare will not be tolerated, warning that officials must carry out their responsibilities with full sensitivity. Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had ordered a high-level probe after a viral video showed the child’s father alleging that repeated referrals and delayed ambulances led to his son’s death.
