Faridabad Hospital Launches Inquiry After TB Patient's Body Transported in Pushcart
In a distressing incident that has highlighted systemic gaps in emergency healthcare services, a family in Faridabad was forced to transport the body of a 35-year-old tuberculosis patient in a motorized pushcart after failing to access ambulances or hearses. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the grieving husband and parents of Anuradha, who had been undergoing treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, had to travel approximately 10 kilometers to their home in Sarurpur with her body in the same pushcart they use for their livelihood.
Hospital Authorities Order Immediate Investigation
Responding to the tragic situation, the chief medical officer (CMO) of the hospital on Friday ordered a comprehensive inquiry to identify any operational failures within the emergency and trauma departments. A high-level committee comprising senior doctors has been established to thoroughly examine allegations that hospital staff failed to provide adequate guidance to the bereaved family regarding available support channels during their time of need.
Deputy CMO Dr. MP Singh confirmed the development, stating, "A committee has been set up to investigate the matter. It will submit the probe report as early as possible. As a precautionary measure, we are implementing immediate changes to ensure such incidents do not recur."
Family's Financial Exhaustion Compounded by Systemic Failure
The case reveals multiple layers of vulnerability within the healthcare system. Anuradha had been receiving tuberculosis treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital for several months, during which time her family exhausted their entire savings on medical expenses. When she passed away, the family found themselves without financial resources and without immediate assistance from hospital authorities.
Eyewitnesses reported the painful scene as the family navigated the 10-kilometer journey with Anuradha's body in their pushcart, a vehicle typically used for earning their daily livelihood. The incident has raised serious questions about:
- Emergency response protocols at government hospitals
- Accessibility of ambulance and hearse services for economically disadvantaged families
- Communication channels between hospital staff and grieving families
- Financial support mechanisms for patients undergoing long-term treatment
Corrective Measures Implemented
As part of immediate corrective actions, the CMO has ordered the installation of informative display boards at prominent locations throughout the hospital complex. These boards, which must be installed within two days, will be printed in Hindi to ensure maximum accessibility and will include:
- Contact details for essential emergency services
- Specific information about hearse availability and access procedures
- Emergency helpline numbers
- Guidance for families during bereavement
The display boards will be strategically placed at the mortuary, emergency departments, and the hospital's control room to ensure maximum visibility for patients and their families.
Red Cross Services and Communication Gaps
Hospital authorities clarified that hearse services in the district are managed by the Red Cross Society, which operates a fleet of nearly 100 hearses available free of cost to families in need. Faridabad Red Cross secretary Bijender Saurat explained, "Ambulance services have been arranged within the hospital complex. When the control room informs us of a death, we immediately provide a hearse to assist the victim's family. The service is completely free of charge. In this particular case, our department did not receive any call for assistance."
The health department has now written to the Red Cross Society, urging them to strengthen their information, education, and communication outreach across the district. This initiative aims to ensure that families are aware of available support systems during times of bereavement and know how to access these services efficiently.
While authorities continue to publicize the emergency helpline 112, this incident has exposed critical communication breakdowns between hospital departments, service providers, and vulnerable patients' families. The ongoing investigation seeks to address these systemic issues and implement sustainable solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
