Samastipur, June 09, 2022: An elderly couple is out on the streets of Bihar’s Samastipur seeking money to "get their son’s body released from a government hospital". A hospital employee allegedly asked the couple for ₹ 50,000 to release the body of their son.
Since the couple does not have the money, they are walking around the city "begging for money".
A video of the couple has gone viral on social media.
The father said that his son had gone missing a few days ago.
"Some time ago my son had gone missing. Now, we’ve received a call that my son’s body is at Sadar Hospital, Samastipur. A hospital employee has asked for ₹ 50,000 to release my son’s body. We’re poor people, how can we pay this amount?," Mahesh Thakur told ANI.
Samastipur, Bihar | Parents of a youth beg to collect money to get the mortal remains of their son released from Sadar Hospital after a hospital employee allegedly asked for Rs 50,000 to release the body pic.twitter.com/rezk7p6FyG
— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2022
Most of the health workers at the hospital are on contract and often do not get their salaries on time. There have been several instances where the staff has taken money from relatives of patients.
समस्तीपुर- जवान बेटे का पोस्टमार्टम के लिए माता पिता कर रहा है भिक्षाटन,पोस्टमार्टम कर्मी ने कहा 50 हज़ार लाओ और बेटे का शव ले जाओ।
— Mukesh singh (@Mukesh_Journo) June 8, 2022
यहां जीना भी मुश्किल और मरना भी मुश्किल।#बिहार pic.twitter.com/SZew1K1rwL
The hospital authorities have said that strict action will be taken in the matter. "Those found responsible will not be spared. This is a shame on humanity," said Dr SK Chaudhary, civil surgeon, Samastipur.