A disturbing incident highlighting bureaucratic apathy and systemic shortcomings in public healthcare unfolded in Telangana's Mancherial district. A 55-year-old woman suffering from severe kidney ailments was left unattended for hours at the government district hospital, forcing her desperate son to take an extraordinary route to secure basic medical attention.
Five-Hour Ordeal Without Medical Attention
The patient, identified as Bookya Bujji, hails from Pulimadugu village in the Mandamarri mandal. Accompanied by her son Raj Kumar, she visited the Mancherial government district hospital on September 29 seeking urgent medical intervention. Instead of immediate admission or emergency care, hospital staff left her stranded on a wheelchair. Raj Kumar stated that despite repeatedly pleading with medical personnel for a bed, a stretcher, and the commencement of treatment, no doctor or staff member attended to his suffering mother for nearly five hours.
Referral Request Turned Down by Hospital Personnel
As his mother's condition continued to deteriorate, Raj Kumar requested hospital authorities to at least issue a referral to a hospital in Karimnagar where advanced care could be administered. However, the staff allegedly turned down the referral plea as well. According to Raj Kumar, hospital workers instead instructed him to shift her to a private healthcare facility. Lacking the financial means for private hospitalisation and finding all regular administrative avenues closed, the son found himself completely helpless.
A Gruelling Two-Kilometre Trek to the Legislator's Home
Driven by sheer desperation, Raj Kumar decided to draw the direct intervention of elected representatives. He pushed his mother on the wheelchair along public roads, navigating traffic for a distance of two kilometres to reach the bungalow of local MLA K. Premsagar Rao. Raj Kumar explained that approaching the legislator directly was his only viable option left to break through the hospital's obstinate indifference and secure immediate care for his critically ill mother.
Intervention by Officials and Initiation of Treatment
The unusual sight and the urgency of the situation prompted a swift response once the matter was highlighted. The Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of the district hospital rushed to the MLA residence to assess the crisis. After offering firm assurances that proper healthcare would be provided without delay, the medical team transported the woman back to the district hospital. Hospital authorities promptly arranged an inpatient bed and commenced her medical care. Officials also committed to conducting an inquiry into the negligence displayed by staff members during the patient's intake.
