Protests erupted at Chanchal Super Speciality Hospital in Malda district on Tuesday following allegations of medical negligence in connection with the death of an eight-year-old girl.
Police reached the spot to control the situation.
The deceased girl was a resident of the Harishchandrapur police station area. She had been suffering from fever for two days.
As her condition deteriorated, she was brought to Chanchal Super Speciality Hospital and admitted to the paediatric department.
The family alleged that the doctor on duty, Soumen Sau, referred the girl to Malda Medical College and Hospital without providing proper treatment.
The girl died on the way to Malda Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday. Following her death, her family members began protesting at the hospital, alleging negligence on the part of the doctor.
The family members argued with doctors, the hospital's assistant superintendent and other authorities. As the situation turned tense, the police were informed and subsequently brought the situation under control.
The deceased minor's maternal uncle, Pradeep Das, alleged that the girl was referred to another hospital without receiving treatment.
He further claimed that the doctor on duty misbehaved with the family members when they approached him to file a complaint. A written complaint was subsequently filed against the doctor.
However, Soumen Sau denied the allegations and told local media persons that the charges of negligence were "completely false".
He also shifted responsibility for the incident to the hospital authorities.
The incident has once again brought the functioning of government hospitals and the role of doctors under scrutiny.
Families of other patients at the hospital also demanded better treatment facilities in government hospitals, particularly following the change of government in the state.
With Inputs From IANS
