Death in a hospital because the ward boy was not bribed

 Very sad reality in 2010 India, this only proves that corruption is at all levels in society, even the lowest persons on the pole would rather you die, if he is not bribed. 
A human life is not even worth $4.37 which is 200 Rupee's bribe. Read on.

Nov 27, 2010

They play with the lives of men and have no apparent regret if someone dies because of their greed.

The incident of a man dying at the Government Chest Hospital at Eragadda on Monday when a ward boy refused to put him on a nebuliser as he did not get a Rs 200 bribe, highlights the rampant bribery that goes on in hospitals. Odd jobs and small chores all come at a price and helpless families have no choice but to bribe ward personnel.

Prasanna Prakash, a professional, says, “When my brother met with an accident, we were asked to take him to Gandhi Hospital. There were people everywhere asking for money, starting with the gate keeper. I had to pay to get in and then the clerk at our ward would ask for money for every little thing. It’s really annoying. One is in enough trouble as it is and these people make matters worse.”

Patients who are battling for their lives in hospital beds hardly get the care and attention that they need. Instead of helping the patients, ward boys and aayahs ask for extra money from family members knowing that they are in a tight spot and will pay up to get the job done.

Rakesh Kumar, a family member of a patient at Nilofer Hospital, says, “My wife is admitted in the hospital and the people at the ward are very rude here and don’t treat us properly. For every other thing the warden asks for money. We don’t have so much money, we cannot take this harassment. Sadly, even our complaints to higher authorities fall on deaf ears.” 

Staff nurses in government hospitals agree that these incidents happen often. Sangita Reddy (name changed on request), a staff nurse at a government hospital says, “The ward helper here does ask people for money. They don’t do so in front of us but when we are not around, they do expect a bribe to get things done.”

Most of these cases are reported only at Government Hospitals. However, the ones responsible are hardly ever taken to task. Dr S. B. Prasad, Superintendent of Chest Hospital, says, “The patient died because of a serious lung problem, but I agree that the ward boy had asked for money for oxygen. We have suspended him till the enquiry on the case is completed. If he is found guilty, we will take action. we have also suspended the nurse because she should have supervised the patient. it is good that this incident came out in the open, at least now people will start taking their work seriously.” 

When contacted, E.Ashok Kumar, Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital however, shrugs off the issue. “I don’t want to comment,” he said. Health minister Danam Nagender admits, “It is very unfortunate that these things happen in hospitals.” He adds, “I did ask for action to be taken on the people responsible for the patient’s death. As soon as the new portfolios are decided, I will make sure that I keep such irregularities in check.”

 Source: Deccan Chronical