An unfortunate event occurred in Kolkata when autorickshaw driver Sushil Haldar, 48, passed away following a head injury. His family tried for more than ten hours to get care at three government hospitals, but each time they were denied access because there weren’t enough beds. Despite the seriousness of his situation, Haldar was refused admission to SSKM, NRS, and Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMCH) after he began bleeding from his lips and nose following the injuries. A letter recommending his admittance to SSKM was issued by the time they turned to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s office for assistance, but he passed away soon after.
When Haldar’s condition deteriorated on Monday night, the family hurried him to SSKM, starting their journey. They were told there were no beds available, so they had to transfer him to NRS Hospital. They arrived at the Chief Minister’s home in Kalighat on Tuesday morning after a protracted wait and multiple rejections at NRS and CNMCH for like reasons. There, a recommendation letter for SSKM was issued. Haldar’s condition had drastically worsened by the time he was admitted, though, and he died soon after from a heart attack.
Haldar’s family is furious about the tragedy and has accused the hospitals of being careless. The recently launched Central Referral System (CRS), which is meant to improve resource allocation and expedite patient transfers across hospitals, has also under criticism for its efficacy. Opponents contend that Haldar might have received treatment far sooner and possibly saved his life if the system had been in place.
Physicians have identified the CRS’s shortcomings, with some claiming that it is still in its early stages of development. It appears that the system, which was created for patients from districts, is not accomplishing its goals within the city. The incident highlights grave concerns over the public health system’s hospitals’ lack of coordination, communication, and bed availability, which has put patients in dire circumstances.
Deep structural problems in Kolkata’s public healthcare system have been brought to light by this occurrence, including the necessity for effective emergency case handling and the lack of essential resources.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
