Kolhapur: Patient dies, kin manhandle hospital staff

KOLHAPUR: After a patient died at the government-run Chhatrapati Pramilaraje Hospital, tense moments were witnessed as relatives of the deceased patient went on the rampage and manhandled doctors and medical staff. Security staff stepped in to restore order.
Namdev Pandurang Bhaskar (63), a resident of Kuditre village of Karveer taluka, who had undergone surgery, died in the morning.His relatives alleged that he was not given the care required for post-surgery patients and created a ruckus in the hospital. They refused to accept the body, setting off a high-voltage drama. Bhaskar’s relatives said the death occurred squarely because of the negligence of medical staff.
CPR Dean Dr Ajit Lokre, who was away in Mumbai on work, rushed to Kolhapur and promised agitated relatives of Bhaskar that he would initiate an inquiry. He said if hospital staff were found guilty, action would be taken against them. Bhaskar’s relatives accepted the body late in the evening. His family members had earlier donated his eyes.
Bhaskar was admitted in CPR four days back and undergone a surgery. His relatives said he was given tablets even though he had not been eating anything. They said he was not even given any saline since he was not having food.
Dr Lokur was contacted by the officials of CPR when relatives of the patient said they would not accept the body. Dr Lokur promised to return to Kolhapur immediately. The body was kept in the morgue till his arrival late in the evening. Dr Lokur met relatives of the patient by evening and promised to take action if anybody was found guilty. The situation was brought to control and police continued to maintain vigil at the hospital till late evening.