The tragic death of a 10-year-old rape victim in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has ignited widespread outrage after allegations surfaced regarding delays in her medical treatment. The young girl, who succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), had reportedly been kept waiting in an ambulance for approximately four hours before receiving admission, according to her uncle. However, PMCH officials have dismissed these claims, describing them as "baseless."
The case has reverberated throughout the country, drawing sharp criticism of the Bihar government, which is a coalition formed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal United (JD-U), with opposition leaders accusing them of serious mismanagement. The government has firmly countered these allegations, asserting there was no neglect involved.
The girl belonged to the Dalit community, a marginalized group in India that often faces discrimination despite existing protective laws. Her situation attracted the attention of national bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women, both demanding a thorough investigation into the hospital's involvement in her case.
The child was kidnapped on May 26 while playing near her aunt's home in Muzaffarpur and was later found severely injured with multiple knife wounds. Initial treatment began at a local facility, followed by a transfer to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), where her condition was reported as stabilized before being referred to PMCH for required surgery.
At PMCH, complications allegedly arose when the family experienced delays in her admission. Her uncle claimed that they were shuffled around different departments, which contributed to the worsening of her condition. A spokesperson from the hospital countered these allegations, stating that the process of transitioning departments was necessary due to her critical injuries and the lacking facilities in certain areas.
The political ramifications of this incident have been significant, as protestors from the opposition Congress party have rallied against the hospital and the government's healthcare policies. Prominent figures, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have condemned the situation and criticized the state of healthcare infrastructure, particularly highlighting chaos and corruption in the system.
The ongoing discourse surrounding this incident not only underscores the tragedy of the young girl’s death but also sheds light on the larger issues afflicting Bihar's health services ahead of upcoming state assembly elections. Critics have pointed out that numerous hospitals face dire conditions, including a report noting that only half of the ventilators in government hospitals are functional and a concerning doctor-to-patient ratio, which paints a grim picture for patient care in the state.
