A woman died outside the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) hospital in Karnataka on Wednesday, with her family alleging medical negligence by the doctors on duty. The incident has sparked outrage among the patient's relatives, who claim that the hospital staff failed to provide timely and adequate care.
Incident Details
The deceased, identified as 45-year-old Shantamma, had been registered in the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) at GIMS. According to hospital records, she was treated by specialists who prescribed necessary medications for her skin condition. However, her condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly after she left the OPD.
Eyewitnesses said Shantamma collapsed outside the hospital building around 2:30 PM. Bystanders rushed her to the emergency ward, but doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, as hospital authorities have ordered an autopsy.
Family's Allegations
Shantamma's husband, Ramesh, accused the hospital of negligence. “She was fine when we entered the OPD. After seeing the doctor, she complained of severe discomfort. We asked for help, but no one attended to her promptly. She collapsed outside, and by the time they took her inside, she was gone,” he said. The family has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and has threatened to file a formal complaint with the Karnataka State Medical Council.
Local police have registered a case of unnatural death and are awaiting the post-mortem report. “We have recorded the statements of the family and hospital staff. Further action will be taken based on the autopsy findings,” said a police officer from the nearby station.
Hospital Response
GIMS hospital authorities have denied the allegations of negligence. In a statement, the hospital administration said, “The patient was treated by qualified dermatologists, and all necessary medicines were administered. She was stable when she left the OPD. We are cooperating with the police investigation and will take appropriate action if any lapses are found.”
The incident has raised questions about patient care at government hospitals in Karnataka. Local activists have called for an independent inquiry, citing a pattern of inadequate emergency response at public health facilities.
Impact and Next Steps
The woman's death has triggered protests outside the hospital, with dozens of relatives and local residents demanding accountability. Security has been increased to prevent any untoward incidents. The hospital has assured that it will review its emergency protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As of now, the autopsy results are expected within 48 hours, which will help determine whether medical negligence played a role in the death. The case has been widely covered in local media, putting pressure on the state health department to address systemic issues in public healthcare.
