Patients’ families raise treatment, Ayushman scheme concerns before Bihar Health Minister at Patna hospital
Patna, Aug 6 (IANS) The inauguration of a new dialysis centre at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna on Thursday was overshadowed by complaints from patients and their relatives, who directly raised concerns about the quality of healthcare services, alleged negligence in treatment and issues related to the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme before the Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar.
During the programme, several attendants approached the Minister to narrate their grievances.
In one emotional moment, a man broke down while recounting the death of his mother during treatment at the hospital.
Alleging medical negligence, he claimed that his mother’s blood pressure was low but was not properly monitored before a medical procedure was performed.
“My mother died in a bed in this very hospital. Her blood pressure was low. They didn’t check it before inserting the tube. She writhed in pain and died in front of me. Sir, don’t just stay outside—please go inside and inspect everything. There are serious irregularities here,” he told the Minister.
Other patients and their family members alleged delays in diagnostic tests and treatment, an unsatisfactory response from doctors and hospital staff, and difficulties in availing benefits under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
Some beneficiaries claimed they were asked to purchase medicines from outside despite being eligible for cashless treatment under the scheme.
Others alleged that hospital authorities had failed to address their complaints despite repeated representations.
Another emotional appeal came from a woman who told the Minister Nishant Kumar that she required urgent treatment for kidney failure and feared that her surgery would continue to be delayed.
Responding to the complaints, Health Minister Nishant Kumar personally interacted with patients and attendants, listened to their grievances and accepted both written and verbal representations.
He also inspected the outpatient department (OPD) and spoke with patients waiting for treatment.
The Minister summoned senior hospital officials to the venue and directed them to address the complaints without delay.
He instructed the administration to ensure that there was no compromise in the quality of treatment and warned that strict action would be taken if negligence or irregularities were found during the inquiry.
During the visit, the Minister inaugurated a new dialysis centre at IGIMS.
According to hospital authorities, the facility will enhance dialysis services for kidney patients by increasing treatment capacity and reducing waiting time.
–IANS
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