BENGALURU: Though 21-year-old Kishore, who lost control of his bike and fell on Saturday night was lucky enough to get timely help of a beat cop, he had a harrowing time seeking admission to hospitals and was shifted two times.
The accident took place at around 11.30 pm in Whitefield, when Kishore, a driver and a resident of Bengaluru, was on his way home. Hanumantappa, a constable, called for an ambulance and rushed him to Vydehi hospital. The hospital has been empanelled under the State government’s Mukhyamantri Santwana Yojane (Harish scheme) to provide free treatment to accident victims.
However, after providing preliminary treatment, the hospital asked the constable to shift him to Victoria hospital, as none of his family members had approached them. He was then shifted to Victoria hospital early Sunday, but he was then shifted to Nimhans around 3.30 pm owing to lack of proper diagnostic equipment.
Constable Mohammed Khaleemullah, who later went to Vydehi Hospital to be with Kishore, was told to take the patient to Victoria hospital. “They did not want to take the responsibility of a patient who had no bystanders,” he said.
However Vydehi Hospital authorities deny the allegations. “It was a medico-legal case and hence the police are responsible and none of the patient’s family was present even at 9 am. Despite that our hospital did provide initial treatment.
Blood sample was also collected. But the police decided to take him to Victoria Hospital. Our doctors did not refuse treatment,” said Dr Mohan G, Medical Superintendent. He also denied allegations of doctors charging money.
Kishore was then taken to Victoria Hospital. “After taking a few scans, they denied treatment,” alleged Kishore’s uncle. The family members learnt about the tragedy almost 14 hours after incident, when TV channels aired news reports.
Dr S Balaji Pai, head of department emergency department, Victoria Hospital said, “We have treated and investigated the case, but as CT scan is not available here, we asked him to be shifted to Nimhans.” Kishore was then admitted to Nimhans and shifted to the ICU. His condition is said to be critical.
What is Harish scheme?
The Harish Scheme was launched only two weeks ago to benefit the road accident victims. The scheme aims to provide accident victims with immediate cashless treatment at hospitals for up to 48 hours with a cap of Rs 25,000. The victim can avail treatment for simple injuries, complicated facial injuries, fractures, head injuries, blood transfusion and burns.
