Healthcare Workers Demand Justice Following Tragic Death at Kullu Hospital

Call for Action After Hospital Incident

Munish Sood
Mandi

The tragic passing of a woman after childbirth at the Regional Hospital in Kullu has sparked significant unrest, prompting medical professionals to seek legal repercussions against those who allegedly stormed the facility and intimidated staff during protests related to the incident.

This demand follows the suspension of gynaecologist Dr. Anu Devi and staff nurse Reshma by the Himachal Pradesh Government, linked to the death of Manju Sharma, which ignited public outrage and large protests outside the hospital.

On Wednesday, healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, rallied under the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association and the Indian Medical Association, submitting formal requests to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, and Health Secretary via the Deputy Commissioner. They are advocating for improved security measures in government hospitals and strict actions against those responsible for the violence.

A separate complaint was lodged with the Additional Superintendent of Police, calling for criminal charges against individuals accused of inciting the crowd and disrupting hospital operations.

The medical associations reported that approximately 2,500 individuals breached the hospital's premises during the protests, invading the emergency department, triage area, pediatric ward, registration counters, and administrative offices. They claimed that healthcare workers faced verbal abuse, threats, and physical intimidation, creating a hostile environment that severely impacted patient care.

The memorandum also alleged that the Medical Superintendent was coerced into publicly reading an internal inquiry report, which was broadcast live on social media. Protesters were accused of sharing personal information and photographs of doctors and nurses online, putting their safety and that of their families at risk.

Specific individuals, including Bunty Saraji, Sanjay Chauhan, and Sumit Thakur, were named as key figures in mobilizing the crowd, with calls for a thorough investigation and legal action against all involved.

Dr. Rajendra Kohli, president of the district unit of the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers Association, expressed that the incident has severely undermined the confidence of healthcare workers, creating an environment where doctors are apprehensive about fulfilling their duties.

Dr. Mahesh Kapoor, president of the Indian Medical Association district unit, highlighted the increasing violence against healthcare professionals as a grave concern, advocating for institutional measures to safeguard doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff throughout the state.

Supporting the suspended nursing staff, Nursing Staff Association president Amita Paul defended the nurses against the allegations, emphasizing that the hospital managed nine deliveries on the day of the incident despite overwhelming pressure.

The medical organizations noted that at the time of the protests, the hospital was caring for 218 admitted patients and handling 11 emergency cases, arguing that the disruption jeopardized patient care and hindered the operations of the district's leading healthcare facility.

While the medical community insists that the circumstances surrounding Manju Sharma's death warrant a thorough investigation, they firmly believe that violence, intimidation, and interference in hospital operations are unacceptable. They have urged the state government to ensure a transparent inquiry into the maternal death and to provide adequate protection for healthcare workers in public hospitals.