Siraha, June 30: All outpatient services (OPD) at the Siraha Provincial Hospital have been shut down, except for emergency care, following the death of a 12-year-old boy, Rajan Mahara of Siraha Municipality-6, during treatment on Sunday.
The closure comes after tensions erupted between hospital staff and the deceased child’s family, relatives, local representatives, and residents, who accused the hospital of negligence leading to the boy’s death. The situation escalated into chaos with reports of verbal abuse, misconduct, and unruly behavior inside the hospital premises.
In a press statement released today, the doctors condemned the violence and demanded strong action. “Misbehavior and attacks in a sensitive place like a hospital are unacceptable. We demand assurance of security and strict action against the culprits,” the statement said.
Following the incident, protesters gathered outside the hospital on Sunday, chanting slogans against the hospital administration. Police had to fire several rounds of tear gas to control the angry crowd.
Additionally, Indrajit Yadav, the Ward Chairperson of Siraha Municipality-6, along with others, was taken into police custody on Sunday. In response, the victim’s family has refused to collect the child’s body, demanding the release of those arrested and action against the hospital for alleged negligence.
With OPD services halted, patients from various parts of the district are now being forced to return home without treatment. Doctors have also locked their duty chambers in protest.
Chief District Officer Bishwaprakash Aryal stated that investigations are underway to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
