A shocking case of alleged medical cruelty has surfaced from a district hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, where a doctor has been accused of deliberately injuring a 14-year-old girl after her widowed mother failed to pay an alleged bribe for treatment.
The victim, reportedly mentally unwell, had undergone surgery on her right leg around one-and-a-half months ago at the district hospital. Her mother, Reshma, has accused hospital staff of demanding ₹25,000 for the operation despite instructions from authorities to provide treatment free of cost.
Reshma has now approached the district collectorate with her daughter, demanding justice and strict action against those responsible.
Doctor Allegedly Demanded ₹25,000 for Surgery
According to Reshma, hospital staff initially demanded ₹25,000 for her daughter’s treatment. Being a widow with limited financial resources, she said she was unable to pay the amount.
She alleged that when she expressed her inability to arrange the money, treatment was delayed. After this, she approached the District Magistrate, following which the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) reportedly directed the hospital to provide free treatment.
However, Reshma claimed that despite the order, hospital staff still collected ₹8,000 from her and allegedly asked her to pay the remaining amount later.
“I was told to arrange the rest of the money afterwards,” she reportedly said while seeking help from district authorities.
Girl’s Leg Allegedly Re-Injured During Follow-Up Check-Up
The case took a disturbing turn during a follow-up hospital visit, according to the family.
Reshma alleged that after she informed hospital authorities that she could not arrange the remaining payment, the doctor called her daughter for a medical examination. During the check-up, the doctor allegedly bent the girl’s operated leg forcefully.
“She screamed in pain and we heard a cracking sound,” Reshma alleged, claiming that her daughter’s condition worsened immediately after the incident.
The mother further alleged that hospital officials ignored her complaints when she raised concerns about the girl’s worsening condition.
The allegations have triggered outrage and raised serious questions about corruption and accountability in public healthcare facilities.
Authorities Order Investigation
Responding to the allegations, Chief Medical Officer Sunil Tiwari said it would be premature to reach any conclusion without hearing all sides.
“It will not be appropriate to say anything without investigating the matter properly,” he said, adding that a detailed inquiry has been ordered.
Tiwari assured that strict action would be taken if negligence or wrongdoing is found during the investigation.
District authorities have reportedly launched a high-level inquiry into the incident, while the family continues to demand legal action against the doctor and hospital staff allegedly involved.
