Motihari, Oct 3: Anger erupted at a private hospital in Motihari after the death of a 22-year-old road accident victim, whose family alleged that doctors refused treatment over non-payment of dues.
Accident Near Singhia Gumti
The victim, a resident of Mazuraha village, was travelling with six friends in a Toto (electric rickshaw) on Sunday when a speeding truck rammed into their vehicle near Singhia Gumti under Banjaria police station limits. All six youths sustained critical injuries.
Rushed to Sadar Hospital
Local bystanders immediately alerted the Dial-112 emergency response team. The injured were taken to Sadar Hospital, where the deceased, later identified as Bablu, was referred to Sunrise Hospital for advanced treatment due to his serious condition.
Family Alleges Neglect Over Money
Relatives alleged that Sunrise Hospital demanded an advance payment of ₹1.5 lakh and stopped providing oxygen and medicines when the amount could not be arranged. Bablu later died during treatment, sparking outrage among his kin.
Protest Turns Violent
Grief-stricken relatives staged a protest by placing the body on the road outside the hospital, blocking traffic. The agitation soon turned violent as protesters damaged hospital property and allegedly set parts of the facility on fire.
Police Intervention
The Chatauni police, led by station in-charge Sunil Kumar, rushed to the spot and pacified the angry relatives. He confirmed that six youths were injured in the accident, with Bablu succumbing to his injuries during treatment.
Family’s Tragic Loss
Bablu had recently married and was the sole breadwinner of his family, earning a livelihood by driving an e-rickshaw. His untimely death has not only devastated his family but has also reignited concerns about denial of emergency medical care over financial disputes.
Similar Cases Reported
The incident echoes recent reports of patients dying due to alleged denial or delay of treatment. In Lucknow, a 70-year-old patient reportedly died after failing to get an oxygen-equipped bed at King George’s Medical University, raising nationwide questions on emergency healthcare access.
