A shocking incident at SNMMCH government hospital in Dhanbad has raised serious concerns about security. On the night of November 19th, a wild jackal entered the surgical ward, causing panic among patients and staff. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jackal near the barricades and called for lights, prompting its swift escape. Fortunately, the animal did not attack anyone, and no injuries were reported. However, the breach has prompted questions about the hospital’s safety protocols.
Responding to the situation, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari stated, “If a jackal enters the city, is it the hospital’s or the doctor’s fault?” He drew parallels to common occurrences in rural hospitals, such as snakes appearing, emphasizing that some events are beyond medical professionals’ control. The minister questioned accountability by asking, “If a tiger enters the hospital, is it my responsibility? If a tiger enters the city, is it the government’s fault?” He also noted that snakes appearing in hospitals are not necessarily the doctor’s fault.
The minister assured that the state government is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and will soon provide Dhanbad with a state-of-the-art medical college hospital. While current security and management at SNMMCH are under scrutiny, he has directed officials to implement immediate solutions. Efforts are ongoing to enhance medical services across the state through regular inspections and reform initiatives. The construction process for a new medical college and super-specialty hospital in Dhanbad has commenced, offering hope for improved patient care and safety in the future. Hospital administration has been instructed to prevent similar incidents and maintain high standards of security and sanitation.