Treatment denied due to lack of Aadhaar; Kargil widow dies
What's the story
In a shocking and tragic incident in Haryana's Sonipat, a woman died after reportedly being denied treatment for not having an Aadhaar card.
The victim, Shakuntala, was the wife of a Kargil martyr.
The incident, initially reported by Hindi daily Jagran, happened in a private hospital on 28th December. However, there are two conflicting sides to the story.
Victim's side
The victim's side of the story
The victim's son, Pawan Kumar, had accompanied her to the hospital to get her emergency treatment.
However, the hospital authorities insisted that it was mandatory to for the patient's Aadhaar card to be submitted for admission.
The hospital authorities reportedly did not relent despite Pawan Kumar showing them a copy of Shakuntala's Aadhaar card, including the number on his phone.
Quote
Pawan Kumar's allegations against the hospital
"They asked me to get the Aadhaar card, but I didn't have it then so I showed them a copy in my phone. I said that I will get Aadhaar in an hour or so...but the hospital refused to do so," said Pawan Kumar.
Hospital's side
Hospital authorities refute all allegations
Hospital authorities, however, categorically refuted all of the allegations levelled on them by Pawan Kumar.
Dr. Divya Saxena said that patients in critical condition are always treated immediately, and Aadhaar cards are required only for the documentation process.
Another doctor said that Kumar hadn't even brought the patient inside the premises for evaluation and treatment, but had kept her waiting in the car.
Quote
A doctor challenges Pawan Kumar's story
"We never denied them treatment. Please note that he never got the patient to the hospital. We have never stopped any treatment due to Aadhaar card ever. It is mandatory, not for treatment, but for documentation process," said a doctor from the hospital.