A shocking incident unfolded at the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Patna, Bihar, where the family of a deceased patient discovered his left eye missing shortly after his passing. The victim, Fantush, had been admitted to the hospital after being shot by unknown assailants, and underwent surgery just days prior to the unsettling discovery on November 17.
The situation escalated quickly, as Fantush's family staged protests within the hospital premises, alleging severe medical negligence and demanding accountability from the hospital authorities. Their cries echoed through the hallways, emphasizing their disbelief and outrage at the circumstances surrounding their loved one's death.
While the family's accusations centered on medical malpractice, hospital staff offered a bizarre explanation, claiming it was possible "a rat might have eaten it." This excuse was met with swift condemnation from local politicians and public figures, who lambasted the hospital's management for their apparent lack of responsibility and the disturbing idea of rodents roaming freely within the hospital.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari voiced strong criticisms, labeling the incident as not just disgraceful for the medical community, but as an affront to humanity itself. He remarked, "What happened at NMCH is shameful for all of Bihar. The notion of rats being implicated is absurd and shocking." This statement underscored the dissatisfaction with state governance and the perception of negligence permeated through not only the healthcare system but also broader state administration.
Critics highlighted the continuous pattern of insensitivity and chaos within Bihar's healthcare system, noting this incident as yet another example. Tiwari quipped sarcastically about the ludicrous allegations being placed on rodents, adding, "If rats are to blame for this, they must be more powerful than the government!" His remarks struck at the heart of public frustration with the failure of authorities to maintain safety and accountability.
This incident has raised questions about patient care protocols not just at NMCH but across hospitals within the state. The alarmingly casual attitude toward the deceased’s care is indicative of larger systemic issues, making it imperative for officials to take immediate action and reinforce standards of care for patients, living and deceased alike.
The police are currently overseeing investigations, including the review of CCTV footage from the hospital. Early reports from the family suggested the discovery of what appeared to be a surgical blade near the patient's bedside, deepening suspicions of misconduct and negligence.
After being shot on November 14, Fantush underwent surgery the next day and was placed under observation in the ICU. Following his death, hospital protocols were expected to provide dignified care for his remains. Instead, the family found the bizarre scenario of his left eye missing, prompting immediate protests and calls for justice.
This case has become emblematic of the broader challenges faced by patients and their families within the public healthcare system of Bihar, highlighting urgent needs for reform and increased accountability among medical institutions. It remains to be seen how hospital administrators and state officials will respond to the disquiet raised by this horrifying discovery and the serious allegations of negligence stemming from it.
With the scrutiny on NMCH only likely to increase, the call for transparency and reform within the state's health system grows louder. The agony and frustration expressed by Fantush's family reverberate through the community, underscoring the necessity for decisive actions to restore faith in Bihar’s healthcare services and governance.
