Two held for allegedly demanding money for blood at Assam's Silchar Medical College blood bank

Two persons were detained at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) after they were allegedly caught demanding money from the family of a patient in exchange for arranging blood from the hospital's blood bank.

 

According to reports, Taimun Nessa (35), a resident of Ramkrishnanagar in Sribhumi district, has been undergoing treatment in the hospital's maternity ward since July 25 and had spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors advised her family to arrange blood for her treatment and asked relatives to donate blood.

 

The patient's husband, Namr Uddin, alleged that while the family was trying to arrange blood, a man approached them near the patient's bed and claimed he could arrange it. When contacted, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 5,500 in return for providing the blood.

 

Hospital authorities became suspicious as the family was preparing to hand over the money and immediately detained the two men before handing them over to Ghungoor Police Outpost.

 

The accused, however, denied the allegations, claiming they had not demanded money for blood and had only sought a small amount for tea and refreshments.

 

Silchar Medical College and Hospital Superintendent Dr. Bikash Sanyal said the hospital has adopted a zero-tolerance approach against middlemen and theft rackets operating within the premises.

 

He urged patients and their families not to fall prey to touts and instead approach hospital authorities directly for any assistance.

 

Police have registered the matter and launched an investigation. Officials said the exact facts surrounding the incident will be established after the probe is completed.