Every day we come across some news that is hard to believe and baffling, but that does not make it untrue. As we continue to be shocked and appalled by such atrocities and ignorance, we often wonder where this world is going. And in light of such realisations, we came across a similar incidence.
According to the Telegraph, a 16-year-old boy from Burdwan (A city near Kolkata) reportedly died on the way to the hospital in the ambulance after an AC mechanic posed as the treating doctor.
Identified as Arijit Das, the boy was a 10th-grade student who had complained of back pain and fever after his exam on Wednesday. He was immediately taken to the nursing home in Burdwan, where the medical authorities asked the family to take the patient to Calcutta.
On interrogation, the AC mechanic revealed that he was hired for 8000 rupees to act as a doctor as he had often accompanied doctors in the ambulance and knew how to operate oxygen cylinder.
The family paid Rs. 8000 for the ambulance and an additional 8000 rupees for the doctor accompanying the patient for medical aid.
Suspiciously, none of the family members was allowed to accompany the child in the ambulance accounting on the ‘stature of the doctor’, who does not allow relatives to travel in the ambulance. The boy developed respiratory problems on the way which couldn’t be diagnosed and passed away.
According to the deceased’s uncle,
“Arijit was a meritorious student and aspired to become a doctor and treat the poor.”
Police have arrested the mechanic and have charged them with causing death due to negligence, cheating, threatening to cause death or grievous hurt, and common intention.
How long will we bear and be a victim of such negligence? It is time to speak up before any more lives are lost.