Tragic Death of Bhiwandi Boy After Dog Mauling Sparks Hospital Negligence Allegations
A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Bhiwandi, where a 12-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries last Friday, three weeks after being viciously attacked by a stray dog. The tragic death has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the boy's family pointing fingers at what they describe as inadequate treatment facilities at the government-run Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in Bhiwandi.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
The young victim, identified as Hamid Khan, was playing outside his home on January 10 when the stray dog attacked him, inflicting deep wounds to his face and near his ribs. He was immediately rushed to IGM Hospital for emergency care.
Initial Treatment and Referrals:
- Doctors at IGM Hospital administered the first anti-rabies vaccine and, considering the severity of his injuries, referred him to Thane Civil Hospital for a surgical opinion.
- At Thane Civil Hospital, doctors advised admitting Hamid, but his family, unable to afford daily travel from their Bhiwandi home, brought him back to IGM Hospital.
- He received subsequent anti-rabies vaccine doses at IGM Hospital on January 13 and January 17.
Deteriorating Condition and Final Days
On January 27, Hamid's condition took a turn for the worse as he developed respiratory issues. IGM Hospital doctors once again referred him to Thane Civil Hospital, citing the need for advanced medical care. From there, he was shifted to the government-run Kasturba Hospital in Chinchpokli after doctors determined he required intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Tragically, Hamid died during treatment at Kasturba Hospital.
Family's Allegations and Hospital's Defense
The grieving family has accused IGM Hospital of negligence, alleging that it effectively functioned only as "a referral centre" without providing comprehensive care. They blame the hospital for making them shuttle between multiple facilities, which they claim exacerbated the situation.
In response, IGM Hospital's superintendent, Dr. Madhavi Pandhare, stated that all necessary treatment was provided promptly. "The child received tetanus toxoid injections, anti-rabies vaccine, anti-rabies serum, and antibiotics," she explained. Dr. Pandhare clarified that the referral to Thane Civil Hospital was solely for a surgical opinion and that when Hamid returned with breathing difficulties on January 27, he was in critical condition, requiring isolation and advanced care, which prompted the subsequent referral.
Medical Insights and Awaiting Answers
According to hospital officials, Hamid had received three anti-rabies vaccine doses and was scheduled for the final one on January 28, but his condition deteriorated the day before. Health officials have indicated that an autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death is still awaited.
Dr. Pandhare suggested that the death could potentially be attributed to rabies spreading to the brain or due to low immunity. However, these remain speculative until the autopsy findings are released.
Political Intervention and Future Actions
Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh has stepped into the fray, vowing to raise the issue of alleged inadequate treatment facilities for dog bites in the constituency during the next assembly session. He has also called for a case to be filed against any hospital staff found negligent in their duties.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for robust healthcare infrastructure and prompt medical responses in cases of animal attacks. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the call for accountability and improved facilities grows louder, hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future.
