Jamtara: The death of a pregnant woman and her newborn, allegedly due to medical negligence, has sparked widespread protests in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district, leading to vandalism at the district hospital, an indefinite strike by doctors and an FIR against several BJP leaders.
Tension flared on Thursday evening after angry residents vandalised the Jamtara Sadar Hospital and blocked a major road for several hours in protest against the deaths.
In response to the violence, doctors and healthcare workers across the district began an indefinite strike on Friday, affecting outpatient department (OPD) services, though emergency medical services continue to function.
Hospital authorities have lodged an FIR against eight named individuals and several unidentified persons on charges of obstructing government work and damaging public property.
The deceased, 22-year-old Reena Devi, was a resident of Sarkarbandh (Mahuldangal) area of Jamtara town. According to her family, she was admitted to the Sadar Hospital after going into labour, but alleged negligence in her treatment led to serious complications.
The family also claimed that although doctors referred her to another medical facility, a government ambulance was not provided in time. She was then shifted in a private vehicle, during which both Reena and her newborn died before reaching the referral hospital.
The deaths triggered outrage among family members and local residents, whose protest outside the hospital later turned violent. The demonstrators allegedly damaged hospital property and blocked traffic on a key road for several hours.
Following the incident, district officials met the bereaved family and announced several relief measures. The administration assured the family that Reena’s husband would be offered a contractual government job, financial assistance would be provided, and the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) who was on duty at the time would be suspended immediately.
A medical board has also been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether there was any lapse in treatment.
The strike by doctors and healthcare staff was called by the Jharkhand Medical Association and the Medical and Public Health Employees’ Union in protest against the attack on hospital personnel and damage to public property.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari condemned the violence at the hospital, saying attacks on healthcare institutions and medical staff cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed the district administration to identify those responsible and take prompt and strict legal action against them.
With inputs from IANS