Why Did a Tribal Family in Jharkhand Carry Their Daughter's Body for 10 km After Being Denied an Ambulance?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic circumstances highlight healthcare disparities.
- Government accountability is critical in healthcare delivery.
- Basic medical services should be accessible to all citizens.
- Community voices must be amplified for change.
- Urgent reforms are needed in rural healthcare systems.
Sahibganj (Jharkhand), July 23 (NationPress) In an incredibly distressing incident, a tribal family from Sahibganj district in Jharkhand found themselves in a heartbreaking situation as they had to transport the lifeless body of their teenage daughter on a cot for over 10 km after the hospital refused to provide an ambulance. Badrin Pahadin, a member of the vulnerable 'Pahariya Janjati' community, was admitted to the Sadar Hospital in a critical state on Monday. Due to the absence of road access to their secluded village in Lodoni Pahad, located in the Mandro block, her family resorted to carrying her on a cot over a distance of 10 km in search of medical assistance. Unfortunately, she succumbed during her treatment at the hospital.
After her demise, the hospital declined to provide an ambulance for transporting her body back home. Left with no alternatives, the devastated family once again lifted her body on the same cot and made the arduous journey back to their village.
A video depicting this tragic event emerged on social media platforms on Wednesday, igniting widespread outrage throughout the state.
Responding to the incident, the Leader of the Opposition and state BJP President Babulal Marandi launched a fierce critique against the Jharkhand government and Health Minister Irfan Ansari.
Labeling Ansari as a 'burden' on both the government and the public, Marandi accused the minister of delegating ambulance operations to his close associates and even implicated his minor son in the issues concerning government hospitals.
“This is not merely negligence; it represents a profound injustice towards the residents of our state,” he stated.
Marandi called for the immediate attention of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and demanded a comprehensive evaluation of the Health Department and ambulance services.
“This is not the first instance of such a horrifying scene emerging from Jharkhand. Visuals of patients and bodies being carried on cots, bicycles, and carts have frequently highlighted systemic failures,” he continued.
He urged the government to move beyond mere rhetoric, advocating for stringent actions to ensure that citizens do not have to struggle for basic medical care.
“Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. Denying citizens such essential services is utterly inhumane,” he concluded.