Surat : Disabled Patient Forced to Drag Himself at SMIMER Government hospital

Rampal, who resides near Surat railway station and is already disabled in one leg, sought medical treatment for the agonizing pain in his other leg. However, the absence of a wheelchair at the SMIMER hospital forced him to navigate the hospital's various departments while dragging himself along.

By TBT Web Desk On Oct 18, 2023

Disabled Patient Forced to Drag Himself at SMIMER Hospital Due to Lack of Wheelchair — surat municipal corporation hospital not providing wheelchair facility to disabled patient

Surat : The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)-run SMIMER hospital is facing criticism and outrage after a disabled patient, 42-year-old Rampal, was compelled to drag himself on the hospital floor as he suffered from unbearable pain in his leg and was not provided with a wheelchair by the hospital staff.

Rampal, who resides near Surat railway station and is already disabled in one leg, sought medical treatment for the agonizing pain in his other leg. However, the absence of a wheelchair at the SMIMER hospital forced him to navigate the hospital’s various departments while dragging himself along.

This distressing incident caught the attention of an alert citizen who was at the hospital. The concerned citizen promptly contacted a hospital employee and arranged for a wheelchair to assist Rampal. Nevertheless, the employee left with the wheelchair after transporting the patient to the X-ray department and neglected to provide further assistance.

The callousness exhibited by hospital attendants, including marshals and other staff members, has left many in shock. Such a scene would evoke sympathy from any onlooker, yet the hospital staff appeared unresponsive to the patient’s plight.

Dr. Jitendra Darshan, the Medical Superintendent of SMIMER hospital, expressed that he would review the CCTV camera footage and initiate an investigation into the incident. Dr. Darshan also mentioned that a wheelchair was indeed made available to the patient, but Rampal chose to continue without it.

“Hospitals, especially government-run ones, are expected to provide essential facilities like wheelchairs to ensure that patients, particularly those with mobility issues, can access medical care with dignity and without further discomfort. The incident has raised questions about the quality of patient care and the need for better assistance for those visiting the hospital, especially those with disabilities” said Darshan Naik, social activist.