Assam: Mother alleges negligence, broker nexus after son’s death at private hospital in Guwahati

A grieving mother has alleged negligence and malpractice involving a broker network and a private hospital in Dispur following the death of her 19-year-old son, who was undergoing treatment after a road accident.

The victim, Rishi Pandit, had met with an accident around two months ago and was initially admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he was diagnosed with a serious head injury. Doctors at GMCH reportedly advised that he be taken to Patna, Bihar, for advanced treatment, which, according to the family, was estimated to cost around Rs 45,000.

However, the family alleged that instead of being taken to Patna, the patient was diverted by brokers and admitted to a private hospital, Cosmo Medical, in Dispur. A technician-cum-broker identified as Babu allegedly assured the victim’s mother, Monika Deka, that treatment at the private hospital would cost less than Rs 45,000.

Rishi Pandit was admitted to Cosmo Medical on December 6. As his condition deteriorated, he was placed on ventilator support. Despite this, the hospital authorities allegedly continued to inform the family that his condition was stable.

According to the mother, the hospital repeatedly collected amounts ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 over the past 11 days in the name of medicines and medical tests. She claimed that despite these payments, her son’s condition did not improve.

On December 17, the hospital reportedly informed her that her son had died.

The bereaved mother further alleged that she approached Dispur Police seeking action against the hospital and those involved but returned without receiving any assistance.

No official response has yet been issued by the hospital authorities or the police regarding the allegations.