Show of solidarity after kid's death, his parents' suicide

With lit candles in their hands and anger in their eyes, several people on Friday took out a march at Jantar Mantar to protest over the recent death of a seven-year-old dengue patient who died after some city hospitals refused to treat him, citing lack of beds as reason.

Distraught by the death of their only son Abhinash on September 8, his parents – who hailed from Odisha – also committed suicide hours after later.

“We want justice, we want justice,” could be heard from a distance. Tears were rolling down the eyes of some people. The protesters blamed Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.

“Kejriwal doubled the health budget this year, but what about its implementation? Who will check it? Who will be accountable for it?” said B Patra, a participant.

“Every year dengue comes this time of the year. Every year people die, still the government didn’t take preventive measures in advance. Seeing the number of patients, the government should have made provision to admit dengue patients in hospitals,” Patra added.

People were particularly angry with the five hospitals which had allegedly refused treatment of Abhinash. “Strict actions should be taken against the hospitals that refused treatment to Abhinash. If the government doesn’t do it, we will go in front of the people and tell them about it. We will go on dharna in front of the hospitals,” said Rajesh Sharma, executive member of the Pravasi Odisha Vikas Samiti.

Abhinash’s was first taken to Moolchand hospital where treatment was started, but he was referred to Aakash Hospital due to non-availability of beds.

Aakash Hospital, Saket City Hospital and Max Saket all turned the boy away for lack of beds, it is alleged.

The patient was then referred to Irene Hospital where reportedly no paediatrician was available, following which the couple arrived at Batra Hospital.

The child succumbed to dengue shock syndrome and multi-organ failure there.  “Abinash could have been a great person in the future, he could have contributed to the country which would have made his parents and the countrymen proud,” said Sandeep Mahapatra, another participant.

“He could have been saved. We all are ashamed of the present government and the people who turned him away,” he said.

The Delhi government has issued show cause notices to five private hospitals, asking them why their registrations should not be cancelled.