Rourkela: An irate mob Saturday vandalised a clinic at Gopabandhupalli here following the death of a five-year-old boy who was administered treatment by a quack. However, the ‘doctor’ managed to escape before locals barged into the clinic and began damaging the facility.
On being alerted, Plantsite police arrived at the spot and pacified the mob. Action would be taken against the accused after the family lodged a complaint with police, IIC Upendra Kumar Pradhan said.
According to reports, Sahil, son of Babul Prasad of Gopabandhupalli slum, suffered from fever four days back. Babul Friday evening consulted SK Biswas, a quack who sits in Manisha Clinic. Biswas prescribed some medicines after examining the kid. However, his condition deteriorated after he took the medicines. Soon, the father consulted a paediatrician at Traffic Gate area. He too prescribed some drugs.
However, Sahil’s condition worsened after he consumed the medicines prescribed by the paediatrician. Left with no option, Babul admitted his son to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) late Friday night. Sahil succumbed while undergoing treatment. Scores of people Saturday went on a rampage and ransacked the clinic after the news spread in the slum.
It may be noted that several clinics have mushroomed in slum areas where quacks exploit patients in the name of treatment. It was alleged that these illegal clinics were running over years without registration while authorities continue to remain silent. PNN
