Clean chit to lab worker accused of negligence

The lab technician at the Ludhiana civil hospital who had been accused of negligence following the death of a patient,has now been given a clean chit by the health authorities.

The lab technician at the Ludhiana civil hospital who had been accused of negligence following the death of a patient,has now been given a clean chit by the health authorities. This,despite the emergency medical officer (EMO) on duty that day having complained against his conduct. The incident occurred on August 18,when a migrant labourer,Akasho Devi was brought to the hospital in critical condition. Suspecting dengue,doctors had ordered blood tests.

The medical officer on duty that day,Dr Balwinder Kumar claims that he had sent 4 messages to the lab technician asking him to conduct the tests on bed as the patient was unable to walk. When the technician allegedly did not come,attendants carried the patient to the lab and on the way back,Akasho Devi allegedly collapsed and died.

Enquiries made by Newsline,however,have revealed that no action is being taken by the health authorities on the technician. Civil Surgeon Dr H.S Bali who had marked this inquiry and has been transferred to Sangrur today,said: ” As per my investigations,the patient came to the hospital in critical condition at 11.30 pm and she was given the best possible treatment within a hour. So I don’t find any lapse on part of the hospital staff”. He,however,passed on the buck to the new civil surgeon Dr Dilip Kumar who took charge today. “Now the new civil surgeon will be the better person to talk about this inquiry,” Bali said.

The Karkhana Mazdoor union that had protested on August 20 and had demanded compensation for the family,has said it is surprised by the findings. Health Minister Satpal Gosain expressed ignorance. ” I am not even aware of any negligence in the hospital”. Meanwhile the new Civil Surgeon Dr Dilip Kumar said,” I am not aware of any case details. So I cannot comment as of now”.

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