Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 06 July 2023
A request has been made to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration to investigate a case of alleged gross negligence by the ambulance staff of Garacharma Hospital. The incident occurred on 28th June 2023 when Rajkumar Sai, an Indian Army personnel, met with an accident at Attam Pahar while riding a bike.
According to the letter submitted by VD Leju, a social worker from Hope Town, the local residents immediately called for an ambulance and informed the police, as the victim was reportedly alive at the time. Shockingly, the ambulance took more than half an hour to arrive, even though the accident site was very close to Garacharma Hospital. Upon arrival, the driver and medical staff allegedly refused to transport the patient, claiming that he was already dead without even conducting a proper examination.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ambulance staff kept their distance from the victim and made a hasty judgment without providing any medical assistance. The insensitivity displayed by the medical staff in this critical situation drew public outrage, with the gathered crowd protesting against their behaviour. The ambulance driver even fled the scene with the vehicle while the people were occupied with the deceased’s body and the arrival of the police.
The letter questions the authority given to the ambulance driver and medical staff to declare a person dead solely based on visual observation without proper medical expertise. VD Leju strongly believes that their actions amount to unintentional murder, calling for necessary sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to be applied in this case. Additionally, the letter emphasizes the need for the Directorate of Health Services to sensitize their staff on handling such situations responsibly.
The deceased, Rajkumar Sai, was the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his pregnant wife, widowed mother, and unmarried sister. His untimely death has left the family devastated. The letter appeals to the Chief Secretary to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice for the family’s loss.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Director of Health Services and the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, urging immediate necessary action. The Station House Officer of Police Station – Pahargaon has also been notified for information and further action.