Chaos erupts at Kharagpur hospital after family alleges post-surgery negligence

A tense situation unfolded at Kharagpur Sub-Divisional Hospital in Paschim Medinipur after relatives of a postnatal woman alleged negligence in her treatment, triggering vandalism inside the hospital premises. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when agitated family members stormed the administrative section and damaged furniture and official documents.

The woman, identified as Payal Roy of Sonamukhi, was admitted to the hospital on January 26 following labour pain and underwent a cesarean delivery the next day. Her family alleged that despite normal discharge timelines of four to five days after such surgery, she was kept admitted for nearly 12 days without proper explanation.

Relatives further claimed that an infection developed at the surgical site and that the seriousness of the condition was not communicated to them in time. Anger over the alleged delay in treatment and lack of clarity reportedly led to the outburst, during which the ward master’s office was vandalised.

Police from Kharagpur Town Police Station reached the hospital after being alerted and brought the situation under control. With tensions running high, a police contingent was deployed on the premises to prevent further escalation.

Hospital authorities denied negligence and said the patient was kept under observation due to infection. The Rogi Kalyan Samiti chairperson termed the vandalism a punishable offence, while the CMOH attributed the incident to communication gaps and confirmed that an inquiry is underway. A complaint has been filed against the patient’s husband and others for damaging government property.