Mandya: Hundreds stage protest claiming medical negligence

Demand suspension of staff; judicial probe

Alleging the negligence of the doctors in failing to provide first aid and treatment to the accident victim, more than 500 people belonging to a community laid siege to the office of the medical superintendent at the district hospital in Mandya and staged a protest.

Ashwaq Ahmed, an ayurveda doctor by profession, resident of Sugar town is the deceased. Hundreds of people from the Muslim community gathered in front of the hospital, placed the body in front of the office of the medical superintendent and staged a stir alleging medical negligence.

They demanded suspension of the staff who were present during the time when Ashwaq was brought for treatment and also judicial probe and were adamant of not performing the last rites, till they get justice.

The protest which began at 11 am continued up to 6 pm. Tension prevailed at the hospital premises as hundreds of people gathered at the spot.

Deputy commissioner Dr P C Jaffer and superintendent of police Koushalendra Kumar visited the spot in view of the chaos and the leaders of the community complained about the issue.

Finally, it was assured that a four-member committee would be formed under the guidance of the resident doctor and probe ordered. Based on the report action would be taken on the erring doctors and the staff.

MLA M Srinivas, assistant commissioner Rangappa, medical superintendent Dr Ramalingegowda, Dr Paramesh and others were present.

It is said that Dr Ashwaq Ahmed was coming with his wife on a scooter, when a bike hit them resulting in the mishap. Ashwaq suffered serious head injuries and three persons on the bike too were injured.

All of them were brought to district hospital, where the bike borne trio were provided first aid and sent to Bangalore hospital.

 But though Ashwaq was seriously injured no immediate first aid was provided to him and even when they opted to shift him to Mysore, they failed to provide ambulance service immediately. But, Ashwaq breathed his last when he was shifted to the hospital, which irked the relatives and the community members, who staged a protest.