Woman's family attempts self-immolation after her death in Uttar Pradesh hospital, demands action

In a tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district, the family of 53-year-old Padma Awasthi attempted to self-immolate at the collectorate on Monday. The woman had passed away on August 6 after undergoing a hand operation at a private hospital, which her family accused of negligence. Despite negotiations with the administration, the family's demands for action against the hospital were not met, leading to their attempt to set themselves on fire.

The police swiftly intervened, preventing the self-immolation attempt. Padma Awasthi, known as Poonam, had initially fallen near Station Road, fracturing her hand. Her family then took her to the district hospital, where they were informed of the unavailability of a bone specialist. Consequently, they were advised to consult Dr Akshat Pandey at the private Dhanwantri Hospital, where Poonam ultimately died.

Poonam's son, Aman Awasthi, had placed a warning banner outside their residence, threatening self-immolation unless action was taken against those responsible by August 10. On Monday, Aman, Anurag Awasthi, and their brother-in-law Munish, along with several others, visited the district magistrate's office to demand accountability. Both the district magistrate, Gyanendra Singh, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr B C Pant, acknowledged that the administration was awaiting the inquiry report.

The family's agitation escalated during their meeting, with Dr Pant stating that the hospital would remain open until the inquiry report was received. This decision only fueled the family's anger, resulting in their self-immolation attempt. Police personnel, attempting to deter the family, seized the diesel can they had prepared, averting a potential disaster.

A large police presence was subsequently deployed at the collectorate, where the family proceeded to hold a sit-in, demanding the arrest of the accused doctors and the immediate closure of the hospital.