In a tragic incident at the Mainpuri District Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India, a 60-year-old woman lost her life due to severe medical negligence. The victim, identified as Pravesh Kumari, was brought to the emergency department in a critical condition, but her treatment was delayed as the attending doctor appeared to be distracted by watching mobile reels. This heart-wrenching incident has raised serious concerns about the quality of healthcare and professionalism within India’s public health system.
Incident Details: On Tuesday afternoon, Pravesh Kumari was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher in a serious state. Family members report that despite the urgency of the situation, the emergency doctor failed to provide immediate care. More than 15 minutes passed before any action was taken. During this crucial period, the doctor, who was present in the emergency room, was seen on his mobile phone, watching “reels,” a form of short-form social media content. Family members allege that even after noticing the deterioration of the patient’s condition, the doctor showed no urgency.
Doctor’s Alleged Unprofessional Behavior: The situation took a turn for the worse when the patient’s son tried to get the doctor’s attention. According to the family, the doctor did not bother to attend to the patient personally. Instead, he reportedly behaved rudely, even physically assaulting the patient’s son. CCTV footage from the hospital reportedly shows the doctor sitting in a chair, engrossed in his phone, while the patient’s son was struck during an argument. This footage has become a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Family’s Statement and Reactions: The deceased’s son, Gurusharan Singh, expressed his anger and frustration over the doctor’s negligence and unprofessional conduct. He said, “We brought my mother to the emergency room and repeatedly called the doctor, but he said the nurses were attending to her. When her condition worsened, I went again to call him, but he slapped me during the argument.”
Investigation and Legal Action: Following the incident, the Uttar Pradesh Health Department has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Senior officials have stated that if the allegations are proven to be true, appropriate action will be taken against the doctor involved. This case has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding stricter regulations and accountability in the healthcare system.
Questions Over Uttar Pradesh’s Healthcare System: This incident has highlighted the growing concerns about the state of healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, a region already facing challenges related to medical infrastructure, staff shortages, and long waiting times. The tragic death of Pravesh Kumari has prompted calls for greater scrutiny and better oversight of hospital staff and their practices.
Medical experts and the general public are calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing the importance of professionalism, ethical behavior, and patient-centered care in medical facilities.
This tragic event underscores the need for medical professionals to prioritize patient care and uphold their responsibilities. It also sheds light on the necessity for systematic improvements within the healthcare sector to ensure that every patient receives the timely and appropriate care they deserve, especially in emergency situations. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen if the doctor will face any disciplinary actions, but this incident is bound to lead to broader conversations about healthcare standards and ethics in India.