Elderly Woman Struggles with Stretcher at Rajkot Hospital, Inquiry Ordered
A video of an elderly woman struggling alone with a stretcher at a Rajkot hospital has sparked public criticism. Officials have ordered an inquiry, issued a notice to the attendant outsourcing agency and planned a new SOP.
The video showed the woman managing the stretcher without help, prompting criticism over the availability of attendants and the implementation of existing patient support rules at the hospital. The incident raised questions about staffing arrangements and accountability in public healthcare facilities, particularly regarding assistance for patients and their families.
Hospital officials confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated into the incident. The administration also issued a notice to the outsourcing agency responsible for providing attendants at the facility, seeking to address the lapse in patient support services.
Despite existing rules requiring hospital staff or workers to assist patients and their relatives, the incident highlighted a failure to ensure that such assistance was available when needed. The circumstances surrounding the lack of support are being examined as part of the inquiry.
Hospital officials also said they planned to introduce a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that assistance remains available at all times. The proposed measures are intended to address gaps in the provision of attendants and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The episode has drawn sharp public criticism over the functioning of basic support services at the Rajkot hospital, placing the focus on the responsibilities of the hospital administration and its outsourcing agency. The inquiry, notice to the agency and proposed SOP will be central to addressing concerns over patient assistance and accountability at the facility.

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