Nearest medical help ignored by Hyderabad police

Hyderabad: Police shifted the farmer and his family who attempted suicide near the Chief Minister's camp office on Thursday to Gandhi Hospital 10 km away, though the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, which is also a government hospital, is a short distance away, drawing criticism from senior police officials. There are other corporate hospitals nearby.

Police say that they usually shift such victims to Gandhi Hospital, where they are provided free treatment, whereas Nims bills for treatment. However, a Nims official said treatment was free for victims who are below the poverty line.

Meanwhile, the farmer, Mr Banoth Nagarjuna, and his nephew, Mr T. Srinivas, are out of danger while the the condition of the farmer’s daughter Navya  rem-ains critical. The girl had consumed a larger amount of the pesticide than her father and cousin, a doctor said. “She is still unconscious, but responding to treatment. She will be monitored for the next 48 hours,” a doctor said.

“Any hospital will accept medico legal cases irrespective of payment. It is the duty of the police to ensure that the victims are shifted to the nearest medical facility for first aid,” a senior police officer from Hyderabad city said.

Others said since the issue had a political colour, police could not take the risk of flouting orders. If any victim succumbs in the process of being shifted to the hospital, there will be no question of recording their statement. The government is spared of embarrassment, and only a case under Section 174 CrPC (suspicious death) is filed.

A senior doctor from Nims said any BPL patient is provided free treatment. “Though some treatments are payable, such cases are treated on humanitarian grounds and if the patient is in BPL category, he will be provided treatment for free. If the treatment is payable, the management will decide the case on the merits of the patient,” he said. Officials say he did not have an appointment to meet anyone.