Baby dies as parents can’t afford bribe

A 10-month-old baby died in a district hospital in Bahraich because the parents could not afford to pay bribe to the hospital staff. The incident took place on Tuesday when the boy developed fever.

Sumita and Shiv Dutt had brought their son Krishna to the biggest government hospital in the town. The child had high fever and weakness. “After the doctor checked him for fever and weakness, he asked us to get the boy admitted so that he could be given injections but the nurse asked us for money to get the documentation in order. Then the sweeper also demanded money (Rs 30) to allot a bed for the child,” said the baby’s father Shiv. He said that the staff kept arguing with him and demanding money and the child died during this time. The mother said her son could have been saved if he had been given treatment in time.

Dr O.P. Pandey, CMS doctor in-charge at the Bahraich district hospital, said that an inquiry had been ordered into the incident.