Has Tejashwi Yadav Accused Nitish Kumar of Shielding PMCH Superintendent?
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Synopsis
The shocking allegations surrounding the death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl at PMCH have ignited a fierce political battle in Bihar, with Tejashwi Yadav accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of complicity. As demands for accountability grow, the controversy raises questions about the integrity of the healthcare system in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of medical negligence at PMCH have sparked outrage.
- Political leaders are being accused of shielding officials.
- Recent actions taken against lower-ranking staff are viewed as insufficient.
- Calls for a transparent investigation are growing.
- Previous healthcare initiatives have been criticized as ineffective.
Patna, June 4 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding the tragic death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl due to alleged medical negligence at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) continues to escalate.
On Wednesday, the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, launched a fierce critique of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey, claiming they are protecting high-ranking officials and engaging in superficial actions.
Tejashwi Yadav pointed out that PMCH Superintendent Dr. I.S. Thakur, who remains unpunished, is being intentionally shielded due to his influence and ties to a Rs 5000 crore hospital redevelopment initiative currently in progress at PMCH.
“Dr. Thakur was due to retire on January 31 last year. Our government collapsed on January 28. Nitish Kumar extended his service the very next day, ensuring control over the PMCH project,” Tejashwi stated.
He dismissed recent suspensions and dismissals of lower-ranking medical personnel as merely “tokenistic” and temporary measures, asserting they serve to distract from the real perpetrators who remain unscathed.
“The Deputy Superintendent, Dr Abhijit Singh, who was dismissed recently, had previously been reinstated by Mangal Pandey. This demonstrates that the actions taken are just formalities,” he contended.
In a new development, Tejashwi Yadav revived his earlier mention of a “DK Gang”—a term referring to alleged influential figures behind the scenes, particularly a retired bureaucrat identified only as DK.
“Who is giving directives to protect Dr. Thakur? All recent transfers, including that of Thakur, are being orchestrated at DK's command,” he expressed.
He accused Mangal Pandey of reversing the advancements made during his tenure as Health Minister, citing canceled initiatives and the reinstatement of careless officials.
“We initiated Mission Buniyaad and Mission 60. We ensured the appointment of specialist doctors, distributed over 275 medicines, and established a referral system to minimize unnecessary transfers to Patna. But what remains now?” he questioned.
He also asserted that NMCH's readiness for dengue was so inadequate that its superintendent was unaware of the ward's location—a superintendent who was reinstated after the RJD-led government fell.
The allegations have surfaced following widespread outrage over the death of the 11-year-old rape victim, who was reportedly left unattended in an ambulance for four hours outside PMCH.
At present, one official has been suspended and another dismissed from the deputy superintendent position, but calls for a more comprehensive and transparent investigation are intensifying.
Point of View
I believe that the unfolding situation regarding the death of the Dalit girl highlights significant gaps in accountability within Bihar's healthcare system. The allegations made by Tejashwi Yadav warrant a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served and to restore public trust in our health services.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the Dalit girl's death?
The controversy involves allegations of medical negligence at PMCH, resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl after being left unattended in an ambulance.
What accusations has Tejashwi Yadav made?
Tejashwi Yadav accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey of protecting key officials, particularly PMCH Superintendent Dr. I.S. Thakur, amid ongoing investigations.
Why are recent suspensions of medical staff seen as insufficient?
Tejashwi Yadav described the suspensions as 'tokenistic' actions that distract from the real culprits while failing to address systemic issues.
What initiatives were previously launched to improve healthcare in Bihar?
Initiatives like Mission Buniyaad and Mission 60 aimed to enhance healthcare services, including the appointment of specialists and improving medicine distribution.
What are the public reactions to the case?
There has been widespread outrage over the girl's death, leading to calls for a more comprehensive investigation into the healthcare practices at PMCH.
