Nawada: A shocking case of negligence has surfaced in Nawada district, exposing a serious lapse in the local healthcare system. After a 75-year-old woman died during treatment at the Akbarpur Primary Health Center (PHC) on Sunday night, her family was forced to drag her body home on a stretcher due to the lack of ambulance services. The heartbreaking incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
The deceased, identified as Keshari Devi, wife of Ramchandra Sahni and a resident of Akbarpur Bazaar, had been admitted to the PHC when her condition deteriorated. Following her death, the family pleaded with hospital staff to arrange an ambulance to carry the body home. However, hospital employees allegedly refused their request, claiming that ambulances are not provided for the deceased.
According to family members, even the stretcher was given only after the hospital held the woman’s daughter-in-law and grandson as guarantors until it was returned. The family then carried the body for nearly two kilometers to their residence, returning the stretcher later in the night, after which the relatives were released.
Speaking about the ordeal, the deceased’s son Ajay Saw said he repeatedly appealed for help, but the staff refused to assist. His wife added that she assured them she would remain at the PHC until the stretcher was returned. Only then was she allowed to take it.
Administration Responds
After the video drew public outrage, Civil Surgeon Dr. Vinod Chaudhary issued a clarification, stating that the 102 ambulance service available at block hospitals is meant exclusively for patients, not for transporting bodies. He added that a hearse is available at the Sadar Hospital, and it could have been arranged if the matter had been reported to them.
Defending the situation, he further claimed that since the family lived nearby, they “willingly” chose to take the body home on a stretcher.
However, the incident has raised serious concerns about the dignity and support extended to grieving families, highlighting systemic issues in emergency healthcare services in rural Bihar.
Local residents and social media users have demanded accountability and improved arrangements to ensure such incidents do not recur.
