Mankar: Tension erupted at Mankar Health Centre in East Burdwan district late Saturday night after a patient’s death, prompting the deceased’s family to accuse hospital authorities of medical negligence. The incident triggered widespread vandalism at the health centre, where an angry mob ransacked medicine cabinets, chairs and tables. In the ensuing panic, patients undergoing treatment hid in toilets and on the hospital rooftop holding their saline bottles, eyewitnesses said. A general duty attendant (GDA) was allegedly assaulted and his uniform torn in the presence of police officers, escalating the situation.On Sunday, doctors, nurses and healthcare workers at the facility staged a demonstration in front of the hospital gate to demand adequate security, citing serious concerns over their safety. The agitation disrupted outpatient department (OPD) services at the health centre. Police sent the patient’s body for a post-mortem examination at Durgapur Hospital.A senior district health department official said no nurses were assaulted, citing a report from the hospital superintendent. After the unrest, assistant chief medical officer of health (ACMOH) Dhiraj Kanti Das was dispatched to Mankar Health Centre with instructions to restore emergency services and lodge a police complaint against those involved in the violence. The official added the district health department would provide necessary medicines and support to ensure uninterrupted care. Police noted no written complaints had been received from either side yet.
