Assam: GMCH orders investigation into death of neurology student from Bihar

Guwahati: Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has sought a detailed report after an alleged delay in treatment of a neurology student after a road accident. The student passed away on Thursday morning.

According to a communication note accessed by EastMojo, Neurology DM student Dr Rupesh Kumar Kejriwal, a native of Darbhanga, Bihar had met with an accident on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, and brought to GMCH at 2 am by the police. It is alleged that he did not receive any treatment till 7.50 am on Thursday. Fifteen minutes later he was declared dead.

GMCH Superintendent Dr Abhijit Sarma has sought a detailed report. In a communique dated February 4, he said, “MO of Orthopedics, Surgery, Emergency Medicine and Casualty department are directed to give a detailed report in this regard explaining the situation at Casualty from 8 pm to 8 am including the availability of doctors, and total patients examined department wise…”

Hathigaon police station was the first responder to the accident. Speaking with EastMojo, Sub-inspector Hardev Singh said the accident took place around 1 am near Hatigaon on February 4.

“First, we took him to GMCH in 108 ambulance, but seeing that it was very crowded, we took him to GNRC, Supermarket. He received first aid and basic treatment there, however, GNRC officials said the victim’s condition is critical and referred him to GMCH,” said SI Singh.

Subsequently, he was from taken from GNRC to GMCH, which is about 3.5 km away. The ambulance reached there around 4.55.

Clarifying the claims that the patient wasn’t treated till 7.50 am, GMCH Superintendent Dr Abhijit Sarma said, “The (resident doctor) postgraduates saw the boy immediately and gave saline and required treatment.”

“Whatever possible that needs to be done has been done by the casualty department team. But, somehow I feel we should check into this, and so we have just instituted an enquiry,” said Sarma.

Meanwhile, the police are investigating into the accident.