New Delhi :– A wave of heartbreaking incidents across Kerala, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh has spotlighted severe lapses in India’s healthcare system, including medical negligence, unauthorized practices by quack doctors, and unethical patient referrals. In the past few days, multiple cases involving wrongful injections, inadequate treatment, and suspicious deaths have led to public outrage, police probes, and calls for stricter regulatory oversight. Families of victims are demanding justice, while authorities scramble to investigate these preventable tragedies.
These episodes underscore a broader crisis: unqualified practitioners operating clinics, brokers exploiting vulnerable patients at public facilities, and hospitals failing to provide timely or appropriate care. Health experts warn that such illegal activities not only endanger lives but also erode public trust in medical institutions.
Pregnant Woman’s Suspicious Death at Pattambi Hospital Sparks Negligence Probe
In Palakkad district, Kerala, a 29-year-old pregnant woman, Noushija from Mezhathur in Thrithala, died under suspicious circumstances at Pattambi Taluk Hospital on February 21, 2026. Noushija, nine months pregnant, was admitted for delivery but collapsed during treatment. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her family filed a complaint alleging gross negligence by hospital staff, claiming inadequate treatment contributed to her death. “The police received a complaint from the woman’s family, alleging negligence by hospital staff,” stated local authorities. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered for suspicious death, with police awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause. No specific illegal practices were detailed beyond the negligence claims, but the incident has raised questions about emergency protocols in government hospitals. The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests reported yet.
Mother and Child Die During Delivery in Bihar; Broker’s Role Under Scrutiny
In Bayasi sub-division of Bhagalpur district, Bihar, a 35-year-old woman, Khushbun from Chhtiyan Pokhria Ward No. 4 in Bangama Panchayat, and her newborn died during delivery at a private hospital on February 22, 2026. Khushbun was initially taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bayasi for labor pains but was lured by a broker (dalal) at the premises to the adjacent private clinic, under promises of superior care.
The deaths occurred around 10 PM, prompting the family to create a major disturbance overnight, accusing the clinic operator of intimidation and locking the gates to contain the unrest. Khushbun’s husband, working abroad, was absent during the tragedy. Bayasi police arrived the next morning, took custody of the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem. Station House Officer Shivkumar Paswan said, “As soon as the information about the incident was received, the bodies were taken into custody and sent for postmortem. No application has been submitted by anyone yet. Legal action will be taken upon receiving any application.”
The broker’s involvement highlights illegal practices, such as unethical patient referrals from public to private facilities for commissions, bypassing proper medical channels. No formal complaints have been filed yet, and the hospital’s name remains undisclosed, but the case points to potential negligence during delivery.
Two Fever Patients Succumb to Wrong Injections by Quack Doctors in Kanpur
In rural Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, two separate incidents on February 22, 2026, resulted in the deaths of fever patients shortly after receiving injections from unqualified practitioners.
First, 58-year-old Dinesh Gautam from Bojha village in Bilhaur tehsil died after an injection at a clinic in Bhausana village operated by quack Chaman. Gautam had been feverish for two days; his family accused Chaman of administering a wrong injection to hastily reduce symptoms and extract money. Chaman fled as villagers and relatives protested.
In a similar case, 35-year-old Sattar from Rahmatnagar in Chaubepur tehsil died immediately after an injection by quack Ashish Kumar at his medical store. Sattar’s brother Haroon and family staged protests late into the night, demanding action.
Both quacks operated illegal clinics without medical qualifications, violating regulations under the Indian Medical Council Act. Police, including Inspector Durgesh Mishra and ACP Manjay Singh, intervened to calm crowds and promised investigations. ACP Singh stated, “No complaint has been received yet… If a complaint is received from the Chief Medical Officer or the family, an FIR will be registered and action will be taken.” Bodies were sent for post-mortem, but no arrests have occurred as the quacks remain at large.
Miscarriage Blamed on Wrong Injection in Deoria; Doctor Refuses Further Care
In Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, a four-month pregnant woman, Sarita from Fullwariya village under Lotan police station, suffered a miscarriage after a wrong injection at a private hospital in Lotan town on February 21, 2026. Sarita, wife of Omprakash, sought treatment for stomach pain; the unnamed doctor administered the injection and medicines, leading to bleeding and fetal expulsion at home.
The next day, Omprakash carried his unconscious wife back to the doctor, who refused examination or treatment. Other local doctors also declined, forcing a referral to the Community Health Center Lotan, and eventually to Madhav Prasad Tripathi Medical College. Omprakash accused the doctor of negligence through the wrongful injection and abandonment of care. While no explicit illegal practices like unlicensed operation were mentioned, the refusal to treat violates ethical medical standards. Chief Medical Officer Dr. RK Chaurasia said, “I have no information about the case. An investigation and action will be taken after receiving a complaint letter.”
Broader Implications and Calls for Reform
These incidents, occurring within days of each other, reveal systemic issues: quackery in rural areas, broker-driven referrals, and reluctance to file complaints due to fear or bureaucracy. Health advocates urge immediate crackdowns on unlicensed practitioners and better monitoring of private facilities. As investigations proceed, families continue their fight for accountability, hoping to prevent future losses. No police involvement or FIR has been reported yet.
Source : DrugsControl Media Services
