Five-Year-Old Boy Dies at Shajapur Hospital Amid Ambulance Delay Claims
A tragic death of a five-year-old boy in Shajapur has sparked allegations of negligence against hospital staff and the 108 ambulance service.
A tragic incident has unfolded at the Shajapur District Hospital, where a five-year-old boy, Hardik Jatav, lost his life following what his family describes as a fatal delay in securing an ambulance. The death has ignited a fierce confrontation between grieving relatives and medical authorities, with allegations of gross negligence at the center of the controversy.
A Father's Desperate Plea
The boy's father, Bunty Jatav, recounted a harrowing night that ended in heartbreak. According to the family, Hardik was brought to the hospital during the night, suffering from high fever and intense stomach pain. While doctors initially provided treatment, the situation escalated, prompting a recommendation to transfer the child to Indore for specialized medical intervention.
However, the transfer was contingent upon the availability of an ambulance equipped with essential oxygen support. Bunty Jatav alleges that he spent nearly two agonizing hours pleading for medical transport. He further claimed that a private ambulance provider demanded a sum of ₹8,000 to facilitate the transfer, adding financial distress to an already critical situation.
The family's wait ended in tragedy. By the time an ambulance finally arrived at approximately 6:30 a.m., Hardik had already passed away. The father remains steadfast in his belief that his son would still be alive if the ambulance services had responded punctually, placing the blame squarely on the hospital administration and the 108 ambulance service.
Medical Authorities Deny Negligence
The hospital administration has hit back at these accusations, maintaining that all medical protocols were strictly followed. Civil Surgeon Dr. BS Meena has denied any negligence regarding the child's care or the ambulance coordination.
Dr. Meena provided a different perspective on the child's clinical state, stating that Hardik was already in an extremely critical condition upon arrival at the facility. According to the medical report, the boy was suffering from:
- Double pneumonia
- Severe respiratory distress
The doctor further noted that the medical team had initiated the call for a 108 ambulance immediately. In a controversial addition to the medical briefing, Dr. Meena suggested that there were indications the family had sought alternative forms of healing, including spiritual rituals or exorcism, prior to bringing the child to the hospital for professional medical help.
While the family continues to demand accountability for the delay they claim cost a young life, the hospital administration maintains that the medical staff acted appropriately given the severity of the boy's illness.