Patient 'administered with empty' oxygen cylinders dies in Jharkhand's Hazaribag

Hazaribag: District authorities have initiated a probe into an alleged incident of medical negligence at the govt-run Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital here, after relatives of a deceased patient accused the hospital staff of providing empty oxygen cylinders, leading to the death.

Umesh Gope, brother of the deceased, Kalicharan Yadav, in his FIR with Hazaribag Sadar police station on Monday evening claimed that Kalicharan died due to negligence on the part of the hospital doctors and staff. According to the FIR, Kalicharan was admitted to the hospital on September 26 with severe chest injuries sustained in an accident, involving a cattle-loaded vehicle on the Hurhuru road. Umesh further claimed that during treatment, three oxygen cylinders were administered to his brother, but all of them were found empty, leading to Kalicharan's death due to severe breathing difficulties.

Medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr Anukaran Purti said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Dr Purti said, "It is too early to determine whether the oxygen cylinders were empty or had minimal oxygen. It also needs to be probed why and how three cylinders had to be used consecutively. I have joined the hospital only a week ago and do not know the functioning properly."

He added, "I have ordered the removal of all empty cylinders from hospital premises. Once the inquiry report is received, strict action will be taken against those responsible.