Pune: Four-Year-Old Girl Dies from Snakebite After Alleged Delay at Otur Health Centre
Junnar, 1st August 2024 – A four-year-old girl from Bhoirwadi, Pimpalgaon Joga, Junnar Taluka, has died from a snakebite, with her family alleging that the delay in treatment at the Otur Primary Health Centre contributed to her death. The girl, Afroz Amir Shaikh, was bitten by a poisonous snake on the night of July 29th while sleeping with her mother at her grandfather’s house.
According to reports, her family arrived at the Otur Primary Health Centre, only to find the hospital doors locked. Once the doors were opened, the family informed the staff of the snakebite. Nurse contacted Dr. Vishal Dumbre, who, over the phone, advised them to take the girl to Narayangaon for treatment. Unfortunately, she was declared dead upon arrival in Narayangaon.
The family has complained that Dr. Dumbre did not come to the hospital to examine the girl, believing that timely treatment could have saved her life. They have called for action against the doctor. Former Zilla Parishad member and tribal leader Devram Lande visited the health centre to meet the girl’s relatives and report the issue to senior officials.
MNS Junnar Taluka President Tanaji Tambe has demanded an investigation into the incident and action against those responsible. He also urged that the Otur Rural Hospital be made operational as soon as possible to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Dr. Vishal Dumbre stated that he received a call at 1:24 a.m. on Monday while at home. He was informed that the girl, who had been bitten around midnight and was vomiting, needed to be taken to a larger facility due to her young age and the lack of a ventilator at the health centre. By the time he arrived at the hospital, the girl had already been transported to Narayangaon.
