KATHMANDU: Following the death of a patient at KMC Hospital in Sinamangal, relatives gathered in protest on Tuesday, alleging that the hospital's negligence contributed to the patient's demise. The deceased, Padam Lal Rimal, originally from Ilam Municipality-8 and residing in Battisputali, Kathmandu, was rushed to KMC Hospital at 3 PM due to breathing difficulties. Sadly, he passed away shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
Devendra Rimal, the son of the deceased, accused the hospital of negligence in his father's treatment, leading to his death. He claimed that despite being admitted to the emergency ward and initially assured of normal blood pressure, his father received no further medical attention, ultimately succumbing to untreated complications. The family alleges that delayed response and lack of timely medical intervention contributed to his demise, prompting them to stage a sit-in protest since Monday evening.
According to Rimal's relatives, CCTV footage reveals their repeated requests for aid, his fall from the hospital bed after being ignored for more than 48 minutes, and CPR administered by a security guard rather than medical personnel. Despite attempts to communicate with hospital management, they were blamed for the death and refused dialogue.
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has raised objections to the assault on doctors at KMC Hospital and has issued a statement expressing concern about violence and vandalism involving attending physicians Prof Dr Binita Pradhan and Dr Puja Shah. The NMA expressed strong condemnation for the incident, highlighting that attacking doctors and healthcare professionals undermines healthcare delivery and urged for the enforcement of appropriate measures against the culprits as per the Healthcare Workers and Institutions Security Act, 2066 BS.