Additional Pics by Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Dec 12: A woman and her son who came to Wenlock hospital for treatment were turned away and allegedly assaulted by duty doctor here on Saturday December 12. The matter was settled after police intervention.
It is said that Sarojamma from Moodbidri, who suffers from acute diabetes and had to undergo toe amputation due to gangrene, was brought to Wenlock hospital by her son on Friday December 11. The hospital reportedly told them that there would be some expenses, and as the mother and son could not bear the costs, they were turned away.
Sarojamma's son Subramanya is a cook and the family is said to be very poor.
After the hospital allegedly refused to treat her, Sarojamma and Subramanya approached deputy commissioner (DC) and explained the matter to him in writing. In the letter, Subramanya stated that after examination of his mother, the doctors at Wenlock advised her to undergo operation to cut her toe and to get admitted there for a week, adding that it would cost her money. As the mother and son could not bear the expenses, they requested the DC to reccommend them for free treatment. The DC then issued a letter directing the hospital to provide free treatment to Sarojamma.
On Saturday morning, when Subramanya took his mother to the hospital again, the district medical officer (DMO) Dr Rajeshwari, based on DC's letter, directed the duty doctor to admit Sarojamma and provide treatment.
Subramanya alleged that after the DMO gave directions and left, the doctor spoke rudely and refused to admit him, saying that even if the chief minister himself were to issue a letter, he would not admit Sarojamma. The doctor allegedly also pushed Subramanya and assaulted him and threatened to file a case of obstruction of duty against him.
Subramanya then approached Tulunada Rakshana Vedike, who in turn contacted the police. The Vedike members along with police came to the hospital and after speaking to the DMO, the matter was finally settled. Sarojamma was then admitted to the hospital.
Speaking to daijiworld, DMO Dr Rajeshwari Devi denied allegations levelled by Subramanya and said, "He (Subramanya) is not mentally sound. We did not demand any money, and if some doctor has done so, let him and identify the doctor. Sarojamma was told to go to the OT for the operation, but when the doctors went there, the mother and son were not around, and had already gone out. The allegations against the hospital are false and we have all the records."