18-Year-Old Dies After Family Alleges Delay in Treatment at Lucknow Hospitals

Lucknow/Lakhimpur Kheri: An 18-year-old man from Lakhimpur Kheri died after his family allegedly struggled to secure timely treatment at multiple hospitals in Lucknow. The family has alleged that delays in admission and treatment contributed to the deterioration of his condition.

According to the family, Himanshu Gupta, a resident of Kanshiram Housing Colony in Lakhimpur Kheri, had been experiencing chest heaviness and difficulty breathing. Hoping to get him urgent medical attention, his family travelled nearly 150 kilometres to Lucknow.

Patient Referred to Cardiology Centre

The family said they reached the emergency department of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute on the night of September 23 at around 2 am. Doctors reportedly suspected a serious heart-related condition and referred Himanshu to the Lari Cardiology Centre at King George’s Medical University (KGMU).

According to the family, after reaching Lari Cardiology, the patient was referred to the trauma centre.

Family Alleges Treatment Was Delayed

The family alleged that they were informed that an ICU bed was not available at the trauma centre. After considerable effort, Himanshu was admitted on a stretcher.

However, the family claims that treatment did not begin for nearly two days, during which his condition continued to worsen.

The family subsequently took him to Balrampur Hospital, where they said he was again referred to Lari Cardiology. When they returned to the cardiology centre, the family alleged that he was not admitted.

Patient Later Shifted to Private Hospital

The family said they eventually contacted a KGMU official, following which Himanshu was admitted to a private hospital. The relatives also arranged money for his treatment, but by then, according to the family, his condition had deteriorated significantly.

The teenager was subsequently declared dead at the private hospital.

KGMU Announces Investigation

KGMU spokesperson Dr K.K. Singh said the allegations would be investigated. He indicated that if the allegations are found to be correct, appropriate action could be recommended against the doctors concerned.

The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events, including the patient’s referrals, admission status and the treatment provided at the hospitals.