Man dies of snakebite in Assam’s Bajali, family alleges medical negligence
Pathsala: A 55-year-old man has died after he was bitten by a snake in West Kathalmuri in lower Assam’s Bajali district.
As per report, the man, identified as Rajani Das, succumbed to a venomous snakebite despite timely hospital intervention.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am when Das was heading to retrieve an egg from the hen’s nest on his farm.
After the incident he was immediately admitted to Pathsala Swahid Madan Routa Hospital.
His son said, the doctors initially provided an injection and monitored his blood pressure and oxygen levels, which they claimed were normal.
Despite the persistent pain, the medical staff attributed it to a tight knot and assured the family that there was no need for concern.
As Das’s condition worsened, with his eyes closing and speech becoming slurred, the urgency of the situation became evident.
The family had to insist on transferring him to Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Hospital in Barpeta.
The son noted that the referral to Barpeta was made only after their repeated requests, not on the doctor’s advice.
At Pathsala Medical, Das was kept for two hours and 20 minutes without being administered any anti-venom.
The injection he received was for pain relief rather than for countering the venom.
By the time he reached Barpeta Medical, it was too late, and Das passed away.
Medical staff at Barpeta confirmed that the delay had been critical.
The family has alleged that Rajani Das died due to medical negligence at Pathsala Swahid Madan Rawta hospital, where timely and appropriate treatment could have potentially saved his life.
His son stated, “My father was on his way to fetch an egg from the hen’s nest in the farm early in the morning when he was bitten by a venomous snake. We rushed him to Pathsala Medical immediately. At first, the doctor gave him an injection and said his health was normal, checking his BP and oxygen levels, which were fine. The doctor attributed the pain to a tight knot and told us not to worry. However, when my father’s pain became unbearable and his eyes started closing, the doctor still didn’t say anything. It was only after we insisted that it was an emergency that they referred us to Barpeta. They didn’t suggest it; we had to ask for the same. At Pathsala Medical, they kept his body lying for two hours and 20 minutes. They gave him an injection for pain, not anti-venom. By the time we reached Barpeta Medical, it was too late, and he died. The doctors at Barpeta said it was too late.”