Dalit leader demands probe into medical negligence case

A case of medical negligence has been filed against the administration, doctors and staff of Government Wenlock Hospital, where an ailing woman allegedly died recently due to the doctor’s failure to treat her.

Speaking at the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes monthly grievance meeting at the police commissioner’s office on Sunday, Dr B R Ambedkar Prathishtana President Shivappa Renkedaguthu complained that his mother Bhommi, a resident of Kasba village in Belthangady taluk had died of medical negligence.

“My mother was admitted to the Wenlock Hospital to get treatment for blood pressure, diabetes and leg pain, on May 25.

She stopped communicating after two days of admitting to the hospital.

After a few days, she began facing problem while attending to nature’s call.

Despite repeatedly asking the doctors about her health condition, they failed to give any explanation.

On June 8, she suffered from difficulty in breathing and when I informed the nurse, she gave an injection and promised that mother will be alright in half an hour. But, my mother passed away,” he said.

Shivappa said that he has filed a complaint against the doctors at Pandeshwar police station and demanded action against the hospital authorities.

In reply, Police Commissioner R Hitendra said that FIR has been filed and the case will be refered to the medical board.

“The health department will have to take action against the hospital authorities, if the allegation is proved.”

Police misbehave

Dalit community members accused the police of misbehaving with general public, specially with the downtrodden section of the society.

Raghuram, a Dalit, said that he had filed a compliant with the police commissioner 20 days ago against Kadri police of misbehaving with him. Yet no action has been initiated.

“Police absolutely show no respect to Dalits when we approach the station to file a complaint. Even during their night beat visits to Dalit colonies, they behave arrogantly with residents,” he complained.

A senior citizen, Sanjeeva too supported his claim and recalled an incident when a police abused him for no reason.

Dalit members threatened of boycotting the next meeting if the police do not mend their ways.

The Police Commissioner asked his subordinates to behave respectfully with general public and also directed the DCP to organise a behavioural training session to the police.