A tragic incident at Uluberia’s Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College medical has created a furious debate and raised major questions about patient safety and medical standards. The killing of Bapi Malik, 29, has left his family and the local community looking for answers and accountability.

Bapi Malik, a construction worker from Rawta village in Maheshpur, was brought to the hospital 20 days ago for chest and abdominal pain. His mother was his primary carer during his hospital stay. Doctors had already drained fluid from his chest and diagnosed him with TB. Bapi died on Thursday afternoon, when his mother was away from the hospital for a short period of time.

The family believes that Bapi committed suicide and was discovered hanging in a hospital washroom. His brother-in-law, Deepanjit Bhowmik, expressed astonishment and surprise, adding, "Bapi had been suffering, but we never expected something like this. When we arrived, we were informed that he had used a noose.

However, hospital officials had a different story. Hospital superintendent Agnihotri Bhattacharya denied the family's claim, adding, "The patient died of heart arrest. "The family is levelling false accusations."

The contradicting information has left many questions unanswered. If Bapi did commit suicide, how did the hospital staff miss the warning indications of anguish and a potential suicide risk? Conversely, if his death was caused by cardiac arrest, why is the family convinced he committed suicide? These inconsistencies underline the crucial necessity for open communication between hospitals and patients' relatives, particularly in such delicate situations.

The incident emphasises the value of clear protocols and effective communication channels. Hospitals must keep families informed of their loved ones' illnesses and any changes that occur. Furthermore, effective surveillance and patient safety measures must be implemented, especially for patients with severe illnesses who may be at risk of self-harm.

This tragic episode also highlights the larger issue of mental health and the necessity for robust support networks in healthcare facilities. Patients treated for medical problems may also have mental health issues that require attention and management.

A comprehensive and unbiased inquiry is required to determine the true cause of Bapi Malik's death. This will not only bring clarity and closure for his bereaved family, but will also strengthen public trust in healthcare institutions. It is critical that hospitals review and reinforce their policies to avoid similar tragedies in the future and protect the safety and well-being of all patients.

As the community deals with the aftermath of this catastrophe, it serves as a sharp reminder of how important transparency, communication, and patient safety are in healthcare. The Uluberia Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College Hospital must take advantage of this chance to address these shortcomings and put in place measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.