A video from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay (PDU) Civil Hospital in Rajkot has raised serious questions about patient assistance services at government hospitals. The footage reportedly shows an elderly woman, around 70 years old, pulling a stretcher herself while taking her sick husband for medical care. After the video circulated on social media, the hospital administration initiated an inquiry and the agency responsible for patient assistance services was asked to explain the circumstances.
What the Rajkot Civil Hospital Viral Video Shows
The video shows the elderly woman pulling a stretcher through the hospital premises, with her husband lying on it. Hospitals generally provide stretchers along with support staff to move patients between departments, and the footage has raised questions about why the woman had to do this herself.
The incident has also triggered concerns about whether assistance was available at the time. The exact circumstances, including which employees were on duty and why the woman did not receive help, are expected to be examined during the inquiry.
Hospital Administration Orders Inquiry at RMO Level
Following the circulation of the video, hospital authorities reportedly began investigating the incident. Hospital media coordinator Dr. M. S. Roy said the matter had been brought to the attention of the administration and that an inquiry had been initiated at the level of the Resident Medical Officer (RMO).
The administration has stated that arrangements, including a help desk and designated staff, are available to assist patients. Officials have indicated that appropriate action may be taken if negligence by any employee is established.
Committee Formed, Service Agency Asked to Explain
According to subsequent reports, a committee was formed to investigate the incident. The agency responsible for providing patient assistance services and the employees concerned were reportedly asked to explain what happened.
The health department has also reportedly sought clarification from the hospital administration. Investigators are expected to examine whether staff members were present on duty, how responsibilities were assigned and why the required assistance may not have been provided.
Ambulance Drivers' Dispute Is a Separate Matter
Reports have also highlighted a separate dispute involving ambulance drivers at Rajkot Civil Hospital, reportedly concerning salary deductions and working conditions. The hospital's media coordinator said formal resignations or written complaints from the drivers had not been received, and the administration reportedly arranged three additional drivers through the service agency so that patients were not affected.
The two matters should not be mixed. Available information does not establish any direct connection between the ambulance drivers' dispute and the elderly woman's stretcher incident.
Why the Incident Raises Wider Questions on Patient Support
The incident has renewed concerns about patient assistance in government hospitals. Elderly people, persons with disabilities and seriously ill patients often need additional help while moving between departments, and medical treatment is only one part of patient care.
The key question in the Rajkot case is why an elderly woman had to pull a stretcher herself when patient assistance services were reportedly available. The inquiry may show whether the lapse came from staff shortage, a failure to assign responsibilities or another reason.
What Happens Next
The findings of the inquiry will establish whether there was a lapse in service and who, if anyone, was responsible. The administration will also face questions about what measures it takes so that patients and their elderly family members receive timely assistance in future.
