Man Dies After Alleged Treatment by Unqualified Practitioner in Chatra; Clinic Sealed by Authorities
In a tragic incident in Chatra district, a 40-year-old man succumbed to fever on Monday night after allegedly receiving treatment from an unqualified practitioner operating a small clinic. The case has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the prevalence of illegal medical practices in the region.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, the victim, identified as Vinod Singh, a resident of Majhgaon under the Vashisht Nagar police station limits, visited the clinic run by accused Shiv Shankar Sharma, also known as Thakurji, in Dantar on Monday. Singh was suffering from fever and sought medical assistance at the establishment.
Sharma administered several injections to Singh, but shortly after, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly. He fell unconscious, prompting immediate alarm among his family members. The family alleges that Sharma, instead of providing emergency care or calling for proper medical help, instructed them to take Singh to Gaya for better treatment. However, Singh passed away soon after, before any further assistance could be arranged.
Family Accusations and Police Action
Rakesh Kumar Singh, the deceased's brother-in-law, recounted the harrowing events, stating, "Vinod collapsed immediately after the injections were administered. Instead of providing proper treatment, the accused tried to mislead us." The family has accused Sharma of medical negligence and wrongful treatment leading to Vinod Singh's death.
In response to the allegations, police lodged a case against Sharma on Tuesday. The accused is currently at large, and authorities have sealed his clinic. Vashisht Nagar police station Officer-in-Charge Amit Kumar Singh confirmed, "The clinic has been sealed and raids are underway to arrest the accused. Further investigation is in progress."
Broader Issues of Illegal Clinics in the Area
Local residents have long voiced concerns about the area being a hub for illegal clinics and unqualified medical practitioners. They allege that despite repeated complaints, effective administrative action has been lacking. This incident has intensified calls for stringent measures against such practices.
Chatra Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagdish Prasad addressed the issue, noting that the clinic was sealed on the order of Deputy Commissioner Keertishree G. He emphasized, "We are taking regular action against quacks. But a large number of fake doctors are active, and it is difficult to track and act against them all unless complaints are lodged." Dr. Prasad urged the public to avoid visiting unqualified practitioners and to report any such clinics to authorities.
Recent Similar Cases Highlight Systemic Problems
This is not an isolated incident in the region. On March 17, a young woman allegedly died in Palamu district due to excessive bleeding and shock following a botched tooth extraction procedure performed by another unqualified practitioner. These cases underscore the persistent risks posed by illegal medical practices and the urgent need for enhanced regulatory enforcement.
The grieving family of Vinod Singh is demanding strict action against the accused, hoping it will prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, with authorities working to curb the operations of unqualified medical practitioners in Chatra and surrounding areas.
