Denied a vehicle, man carries dead wife’s body on shoulders

Bhawanipatna: In a shocking incident that turns the spotlight once again on our decrepit healthcare services, a man had to carry the body of his wife out of the hospital on his shoulders after he failed to obtain a mortuary van or an ambulance from the hospital authorities.

The incident occurred in this district headquarters town when 42-year-old Amang Dei, who was being treated for tuberculosis at the district headquarters hospital, died at around 2 AM today. Despite all his efforts, Amang’s husband, Dana Majhi, was not able to avail an ambulance till this morning to carry her dead body sheer desperation, he wrapped the body of his wife in cloth and carried it on his shoulders.

Dana was accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter.

By the time OTV came to know about the incident, Dana had already covered 12 kms on his way from the hospital to his home in Melghara village under Rampur block. After tracking down Dana at Sagada, OTV informed the collector and the people’s representative following which a mortuary van arrived to carry the dead body.

“The hospital authorities said that there are no vehicles. I pleaded with them saying I am a poor person and cannot afford a vehicle to carry my wife’s body. Despite repeated requests, they said they cannot offer me any help,” said Dana Majhi.

On being asked about the incident, the district collector expressed grief over the incident and said that the family will be provided an assistance of Rs 2000 under the Harishchandra Yojana and Rs 10000 from the Red Cross fund.

“After coming to know about the incident, we arranged an ambulance after speaking to the CDMO. We have given instructions to the Tehsildar to provide assistance under Harishchandra Yojana. Moreover, I have asked the BDO to provide assistance from Red Cross fund and CMRF,” said Kalahandi collector Brunda D.