A disturbing video from a government-run health centre in Uttarakhand has ignited public anger and a debate on the state of basic medical facilities in rural India. The footage, which went viral on social media, shows a patient receiving treatment while lying on a stretcher that was placed directly on the floor.
What Happened at Patisen Primary Health Centre?
The incident occurred at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Patisen, located in the Pauri district. According to officials, the patient, identified as 44-year-old Arjun Bhandari, was brought to the facility on Thursday night by the 108 emergency service. Bhandari was reported to be in an intoxicated and unconscious state upon arrival.
Medical staff at the centre began their initial assessment with the patient still on the stretcher, which had been set down on the floor. This visual, captured in the widely shared video, became the focal point of widespread criticism from citizens questioning the dignity and quality of care in public health institutions.
Official Explanation for the Incident
Pauri's Chief Medical Officer, SM Shukla, provided context to the controversial scene. He explained that the bed available at the PHC was shorter than the stretcher carrying the patient. Compounding the issue, both staff members on duty at the time were women, making it physically challenging to transfer an unconscious adult.
Shukla further stated that the healthcare workers "refrained from moving him, presuming a possible spinal injury due to his unconscious condition." The priority, as per the officials, was to avoid causing further harm through improper handling. After administering primary treatment at the PHC, Arjun Bhandari was referred to the district hospital, where his condition was later reported to be stable.
Broader Questions on Healthcare Infrastructure
While the administration offered reasons, the incident has transcended this single case, prompting larger concerns. Public outrage is centered on the apparent lack of adequate infrastructure and protocols at a primary healthcare facility, which is supposed to be the first point of contact for medical aid in rural areas.
Key questions being raised include:
- The availability of suitable beds and transfer equipment in PHCs.
- Protocols for handling unconscious or critically injured patients with limited staff strength.
- The overall state of resource allocation and maintenance in rural health centres across the state.
The viral video from Patisen PHC serves as a stark reminder of the ground realities faced by many in India's hinterlands, where healthcare delivery often grapples with fundamental logistical and infrastructural gaps. It underscores the urgent need for systemic reviews and actionable improvements to ensure dignity and proper care for all patients.
