Mangaluru: A woman who was admitted to a local polyclinic for a mere hand pain died in the hospital.

With her death, her family members staged a protest alleging medical negligence to be the reason behind her death.

Saraswati had gone to Spoorthi Polyclinic at Thokkottu on April 6 for treatment of pain in her hand. She had developed the pain while unloading sand the previous day. The doctor who treated her forwarded her to a private hospital at Deralakatte on April 9.

Speaking to media Saraswati’s relatives said that doctors in the private hospital suggested for an operation. After the operation she was shifted to Intensive Care unit and hospital staff informed her relatives that some of her body organs are not functioning properly. When the relatives insisted to take her to other hospital, the hospital staff said that she is in a critical condition and could not be shifted. But on April 14, the hospital staff announced that she was no more.

Alleging medical negligence, a complaint is lodged in Ullala police station.
Following her death, before the last rites, around 100 people including Saraswati’s relatives gathered in front of Spoorthi Polyclinic with the body and protested on Saturday April 16.

Rohith Ullal, honourary advisor of Koragajja Seva Samiti, said that some doctors are playing with the lives of poor people to make money. The hospital has charged Rs 1,20,000 for a patient who just had pain in the hand. There should be CCTV cameras in all the ICU’s.

The deceased leaves behind a daughter and four sons.

Dalit Sangarsha Samiti, Congress, BJP and CPI (M) members were also participated in the protest.