6-yr-old girl dies during treatment, kin protest at hospital alleging negligence in East Midnapore

A fresh case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced in East Midnapore, stirring local outrage and sparking protests. A six-year-old girl died on Tuesday night at Basantiya Rural Hospital in Block No. 2 of Kanthi, leading to heated demonstrations by her grieving family and residents.

According to the girl’s family, she was brought to the hospital late Tuesday night after falling ill. Her mother claimed that the initial treatment was insufficient and that the hospital sent them home after administering an injection. However, her condition quickly worsened, prompting them to return to the hospital.

The mother recounted that upon their return, doctors administered multiple injections through a channel in her daughter’s hand. Shortly after, the child’s condition deteriorated, and she was declared dead. “I realized my daughter had died right there in front of me,” she said, sobbing.

Anger erupted among the family members and spread among the residents, who accused the hospital of gross negligence. On Wednesday morning, the situation escalated as protestors surrounded the hospital premises, demanding accountability. The unrest prompted police from Kanthi station to rush to the spot. After hours of persuasion, the police managed to calm the crowd and bring the situation under control.

In response to the allegations, the attending doctor at Basantiya Rural Hospital denied any wrongdoing. “We tried our best to save the child,” he said. “Not only did we provide immediate treatment, but we also initiated steps to transfer her to a better-equipped hospital and had informed the ambulance. Sadly, she died before the transfer could happen.”