PATIENT REFERRED WITH A CARDBOARD SPLINT ON FRACTURED LEG

PATIENT REFERRED WITH A CARDBOARD SPLINT ON FRACTURED LEG

7-SEP-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA-----------------------------Serious questions have once again been raised regarding the district's healthcare system. The incident occurred at Mohania Sub-divisional Hospital, where a young man injured in a road accident had his fractured leg bound using a piece of cardboard instead of a medical splint or other proper medical equipment, before being referred elsewhere for better treatment.

This incident has cast doubt on the ground reality of healthcare facilities and emergency services available in government hospitals.

In fact, three people riding a motorcycle were critically injured after being hit by a pickup truck near Mujan Gate in the Mohania police station area. Following the accident, the injured were taken for treatment was brought to Mohania Sub-divisional Hospital. Among the injured, Prince Kumar—a resident of Shahbazpur—reportedly sustained a severe leg injury, and a fracture was confirmed. While the injured youth was brought to the hospital for treatment, the situation that unfolded there raised serious questions about the hospital's facilities.

It is reported that the hospital lacked the necessary medical splints or appropriate resources to stabilize the patient's fractured leg. Consequently, healthcare workers allegedly used a piece of cardboard to support the limb. Images showing the piece of cardboard tied to the youth's fractured leg—prior to his referral—have sparked outrage among locals.

Mohania Sub-divisional Hospital is not a minor health center; it is a significant government hospital at the sub-divisional level. Moreover, a National Highway passes through the Mohania area, leading to frequent road accidents where the injured are brought to such government hospitals for treatment.

This raises a critical question: why are the necessary medical supplies for stabilizing severe limb injuries—sustained in road accidents—unavailable at the hospital for initial care? While referring a fracture patient elsewhere may be a valid course of action, providing proper support to the injured limb before the transfer is considered crucial.

Locals allege that instead of providing superior treatment to critically injured patients, Mohania Sub-divisional Hospital frequently refers them to larger hospitals.

People argue that if a sub-divisional hospital lacks adequate resources for essential first aid, how can patients injured in road accidents receive immediate and safe medical care?

Initial treatment and the safe stabilization of the patient are vital, especially in cases of road accidents. Therefore, the Health Department must take the concerns regarding the availability of essential equipment and medical supplies at the hospital seriously.