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A tragic incident unfolded at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College Hospital, where a 28-year-old youth, Bikram Bhattachajee, succumbed to his injuries after being admitted for treatment following a truck accident. The incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the deceased's family alleging medical negligence and a lack of doctors as the contributing factors to his death. Bikram's mother, Kabita Bhattachajee, voiced her anguish, claiming that despite his critical condition, there was a significant delay in providing treatment due to the absence of doctors in the emergency ward. She asserted that precious time was lost, hindering timely surgery that could have potentially saved her son's life.
However, hospital authorities vehemently refuted these claims, presenting a different narrative of the events. Dr. Saptarshi Chatterjee, the Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal of RG Kar Hospital, stated that Bikram received immediate attention upon his arrival, being promptly transferred to trauma care. He highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained by Bikram, including major damage to both limbs and a critical head injury. The hospital staff initiated a CT scan, but tragically, Bikram experienced respiratory distress during the preparation process and was pronounced clinically dead.
This incident, deeply concerning in its own right, has become intertwined with the ongoing protests by resident doctors at RG Kar Hospital. The doctors, spurred by the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor last month, are demanding greater workplace security and justice for the victim. Their relentless protests have added another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the potential impact on patient care during such turbulent times. The Supreme Court, recognizing the gravity of the situation, had urged the protesting doctors to resume their duties. However, the doctors' determination to push for their demands has persisted.
The incident has attracted the attention of prominent political figures as well. Kunal Ghosh, former Trinamool Congress MP and party spokesperson, took to social media to allege a delay of three hours in providing treatment to Bikram. Abhishek Banerjee, Diamond Harbour MP and party general secretary, further intensified the criticism, accusing the ongoing protests by doctors as a contributing factor to the tragic outcome. He asserted that Bikram bled for three hours without receiving medical attention, attributing this to the disruption of essential medical services by the protests. Banerjee's strong statement, coupled with his position as the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, underlines the political sensitivity surrounding the incident.
While Bikram's family has not filed a formal police complaint, a general diary entry has reportedly been made. The incident has sparked a public debate, raising serious concerns about the availability and quality of healthcare in the region, particularly amidst the backdrop of ongoing doctor protests. The aftermath of this tragedy remains to be seen, with the potential for legal proceedings and further investigations, as well as the ongoing debate about the balance between patient care and the legitimate demands of the protesting doctors.
Source: Youth dies at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital, family claims no doctor was available