Public Outcry in Kullu Over Alleged Medical Negligence Leading to Young Mother's Death
Protest Erupts at Kullu Hospital Following Tragic Incident
A significant protest took place at the Regional Hospital in Kullu on Saturday, triggered by the alleged medical negligence that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman shortly after giving birth. Hundreds of demonstrators, spearheaded by social activist Bunty Saraji and joined by residents from Seraj in Mandi district, marched through Kullu town before gathering at the hospital, demanding accountability from those responsible.
Tensions escalated when hospital security attempted to block the protesters from entering by locking the main gate. However, the determined crowd managed to breach the barricades and entered the hospital grounds, staging a sit-in outside the senior doctors' office while calling for the immediate presence of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Earlier, the protesters had gathered at Dhalpur Chowk, where they burned an effigy of Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil. They chanted slogans against the state government, the Health Department, and the district administration, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities in the public healthcare system.
The protest was ignited by the death of Manju Sharma, a resident of Bali Chowki in Mandi district’s Seraj subdivision, who passed away after delivering her baby at the Regional Hospital, Kullu, the previous week. This tragic event has led to widespread outrage, with the grieving family alleging severe negligence by the hospital staff, particularly the nursing team.
Dinesh Sharma, the victim’s brother, stated that Manju had repeatedly expressed severe discomfort after her delivery, but her worsening condition was allegedly overlooked by the hospital staff. He claimed that nurses dismissed her concerns, telling the family that she was merely 'acting' and that there was nothing seriously wrong.
The family further alleged that despite her deteriorating health throughout the day, she did not receive timely medical care or adequate monitoring. They also criticized the hospital administration for failing to provide a clear explanation regarding the cause of her death, even days after the incident.
Bunty Saraji, leading the protest, emphasized that their agitation was not against the entire medical community but specifically aimed at those whose negligence may have led to the young mother's death.
"We are not against doctors or healthcare workers. Our demand is straightforward—those who were negligent in their duties must be held accountable. We have been seeking justice since this incident occurred," he stated while addressing the crowd.
Inside the hospital, protesters confronted a senior doctor regarding his previous comments about the case. The doctor reportedly apologized after facing backlash, but the demonstrators insisted on continuing their protest until senior health officials, including the CMO, visited and assured them of a thorough investigation.
The hospital grounds resonated with chants demanding justice for the deceased, as protesters vowed to persist in their efforts until concrete actions are taken against those found responsible.
The bereaved family has called for an impartial and timely inquiry into the incident, along with strict legal and departmental actions against those at fault. They have also expressed their intention to escalate the matter to the Chief Minister and, if necessary, seek judicial intervention for justice.
This incident has once again highlighted serious concerns regarding accountability in government healthcare facilities and the quality of postnatal care provided in public hospitals. As the protest continued within the Regional Hospital, district authorities worked to calm the demonstrators, while public pressure grew for a transparent investigation into the young mother’s death.