A fresh allegation of medical negligence has surfaced at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital after a critically ill patient, Biswajit Samanta, reportedly collapsed and died early Monday while attempting to walk to a toilet despite his serious condition.
Samanta, a resident of Nimta in North 24 Parganas, had been admitted to the hospital’s trauma care unit with breathing difficulties and nose bleeding. His family alleges hospital staff refused to provide a stretcher or wheelchair and directed them to a pay-and-use toilet located about 40–50 metres away, forcing the ailing patient to walk. He reportedly collapsed during the attempt and was later declared dead by doctors.
The incident has sparked protests by relatives and renewed scrutiny of infrastructure and patient care at the state-run hospital, especially as it comes within days of another death involving a malfunctioning lift at the same facility. Police have registered an unnatural death case and an inquiry is underway, while hospital authorities have yet to issue a detailed public response to the allegations.
Family Alleges Lack Of Basic Support For Critically Ill Patient
According to reports, Biswajit Samanta, believed to be in his mid-40s and working as a driver, was rushed to the trauma care unit after experiencing severe health distress, including breathing problems and bleeding from the nose. After receiving initial treatment, his condition reportedly stabilised slightly, allowing him to speak and ask for assistance to use the restroom.
However, his relatives allege that hospital staff declined to provide a stretcher, wheelchair, or trolley despite repeated requests. Instead, they were directed to a Sulabh pay-and-use toilet facility located outside the trauma care building, around 40 to 50 metres away. Some reports suggest the accessible toilet within the unit was locked or unavailable, leaving the family with no option but to help him walk.
Recounting the ordeal, Samanta’s wife Ila Samanta said the family was shocked by the lack of support. She recalled that her husband was still visibly weak after treatment and could barely walk on his own. “How could they ask a sick patient to walk like that? We asked for a stretcher but none was provided,” she reportedly said. According to relatives, the patient attempted to walk with assistance from family members but collapsed before reaching or shortly after reaching the toilet.
His son later told reporters that the family tried to support him physically, but he suddenly lost consciousness. Doctors subsequently declared him dead, leaving the family devastated and raising serious questions about whether timely assistance could have prevented the tragedy.
Back-to-Back Tragedies Raise Safety Concerns
The incident has intensified scrutiny of facilities and emergency response protocols at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest state-run healthcare institutions in eastern India. The death occurred only a few days after another tragic accident at the same hospital, in which a man reportedly died after being trapped in a malfunctioning lift inside the premises.
That incident had already triggered criticism of the hospital’s maintenance standards and emergency preparedness. With Samanta’s death now coming within roughly 72 hours of the earlier accident, concerns about systemic lapses in patient safety and infrastructure have grown louder.
Preliminary reports indicate that the emergency unit may have limited or non-functional toilet facilities for patients, forcing many to rely on paid public toilets located outside the building. In some cases, patients reportedly have to walk significant distances or climb stairs to access these facilities, a challenge that can be dangerous for individuals suffering from cardiac conditions, breathing difficulties, or other severe ailments.
Ground reports have also highlighted similar issues across several government hospitals in Kolkata, where emergency wards often lack accessible restrooms and essential patient support equipment such as wheelchairs or trolleys.
Following Samanta’s death, his relatives staged protests on the hospital premises, accusing the management of negligence and demanding accountability. Police have registered an unnatural death case and begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local political representatives and hospital oversight bodies have also acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and called for a thorough probe to determine whether any lapses occurred in patient care or infrastructure management. Authorities are expected to review protocols and infrastructure availability as part of the inquiry.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Healthcare institutions represent more than just centres for medical treatment they are places where compassion, dignity, and timely support must guide every action. Incidents like the alleged death of Biswajit Samanta highlight how seemingly small gaps in infrastructure or assistance can have devastating consequences for patients already battling serious health conditions.
Whether the issue stems from overcrowding, resource shortages, administrative oversight, or systemic neglect, every patient deserves safe facilities and humane treatment, especially in public hospitals that serve some of the most vulnerable communities.
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