Hospital staff blamed for patient’s death

Refusal to pay Rs 200 bribe to hospital staff proved costly for a 50-year-old woman. The woman's son reportedly died at the Government Chest Hospital at Erragadda on Tuesday, after a mal
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Refusal to pay Rs 200 bribe to hospital staff proved costly for a 50-year-old woman.

The woman's son reportedly died at the Government Chest Hospital at Erragadda on Tuesday, after a male nursing orderly (MNO) refused to provide oxygen, as she could not pay the money demanded.

25-year-old Krishna died due to alleged negligence of hospital staff. Krishna was a resident of Mamidipally village in Saroornagar mandal. He had been suffering from tuberculosis (TB) and was admitted to the hospital on November 18.

According to Krishna's mother, Lakshmamma, admission was also not an easy affair and she had to pay bribes to the staff. Around 1.30 a.m, Krishna slipped into coma as the oxygen cylinder failed to function properly. Lakshmamma alerted the staff about the malfunctioning cylinder.

The staff was initially reluctant to help Lakshmamma. However, Meenaiah, an MNO, on duty at the time demanded `200 to replace the oxygen cylinder. Lakshmamma expressed her inability to pay the amount as she did not have money with her at that time. Meenaiah then went off to sleep in the nearby ward room. A few minutes later, Krishna breathed his last.

Dr SV Prasad, hospital superintendent, however, said that Krishna died not only due to negligence of the staff but also because he was suffering from severe TB.

"We performed a minor surgery on him on Monday afternoon. We do not completely deny corruption charges against medical staff," he added.

He said the hospital management responded soon after the news broke out on TV channels and suspended two staff members. "We have suspended duty nurse G Kavita and Meenaiah," he said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Lakshmamma, Sanjeevareddy Nagar police registered a case against Meenaiah for demanding bribe.

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