Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has directly accused the BJP of instigating a violent uproar at Jamtara Sadar Hospital following the death of a pregnant woman, claiming the party orchestrated the incident.
Minister Explains Sequence of Events Leading to Woman’s Death
According to the minister, the pregnant woman was brought to the hospital in a critical condition, where doctors treated her, but as her condition worsened she had to be referred to a larger hospital, and she died on the way. Ansari alleged that as her family were taking the body home, BJP members lured them back to the hospital by offering Rs 20,000 and incited them to create a disturbance.
Vandalism Causes Rs 25-30 Lakh in Damage, Doctors Go on Strike
The minister said the hospital’s ICU, computers and glass panels were vandalised during the unrest, and patient records were also destroyed, causing an estimated loss of Rs 25 to 30 lakh. He added that a female doctor was also misbehaved with during the incident, prompting doctors to go on strike in protest, which disrupted OPD services. Ansari said the administration has been directed to take action against those responsible within 24 hours.
Minister Defends Government on Ambulance Service Issues
Ansari also addressed criticism over the 108 ambulance service, stating that the previous government had awarded the tender at an extremely low cost, which led to a decline in the condition of ambulances. He said the earlier agency is now being removed and a fresh tender has been floated for a new service provider, with a meeting of civil surgeons scheduled on July 22 to discuss the matter, adding that directions have also been issued to file an FIR against the previous agency. Responding to images showing patients being carried on cots, the minister explained that ambulances are unable to reach hilly areas, so stretcher arrangements are being made instead. He accused the BJP of engaging in photo-op politics and claimed he was being targeted on religious grounds, asserting that Jharkhand’s healthcare system would be fully strengthened within five years.
