Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: Even after a month since the tragic collapse of a hospital corridor at MGM Medical College and Hospital, the families of the deceased are still waiting for basic official procedures, including death certificates and compensation. Four people had lost their lives in the incident that occurred in the medicine ward corridor, but the promises made by the government remain largely unfulfilled.
The Jharkhand government had announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each victim. However, the families claim that not only have they received no compensation, but even the death certificates are yet to be issued. According to government norms, death certificates must be issued within 21 days of death. Beyond that period, the process becomes complicated and requires additional permissions from higher authorities.
Hospital officials reportedly told the bereaved families that documentation work is currently stalled due to the ongoing relocation of the hospital to Dimna. Victim families allege complete apathy from both hospital management and government officials.
Pramila Kumari, daughter of deceased Srichand Tanti, said no one from the administration has even contacted them. “We applied for the death certificate, but nothing has been done,” she said.
Another victim’s wife, Elin Joseph, said she was turned away when she approached hospital staff. “They told us to come later. How long must we wait?” she asked.
Victoria Tirkey, niece of the deceased Lucas Tirkey, stated that the staff refused to even accept their application. “They accused us of running after money. But it is their negligence that took my uncle’s life,” she said emotionally.
A district-level investigation had already confirmed negligence on the part of the hospital authorities, but no action has been taken to date. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari claimed the compensation amount has been released and assured that the death certificates would be processed soon. “I will personally come to Jamshedpur and ensure the families receive the promised amount,” he said.
But for the families still battling bureaucracy and heartbreak, such assurances offer little relief.
