Patient dies at SSKM Hospital after being denied bed; Family blames healthcare system

Sushil Halder, a 48-year-old man from Kolkata, died at SSKM Hospital after reportedly being denied a bed due to capacity constraints. Halder experienced severe nosebleeding and respiratory distress on Monday morning, prompting his family to rush him to SSKM Hospital. Upon arrival, the family alleges they were informed by hospital staff that there were no beds available for admission, leading them to seek medical help at other facilities.

Halder's family first took him to Kolkata National Medical College but encountered similar issues when they were told the hospital could not accommodate him. They then attempted to gain admission at N.R.S. Hospital, where they faced additional challenges, including a lack of available beds and a lengthy waiting time for treatment. Frustrated and desperate for help, the family sought intervention from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s office on Tuesday morning. The Chief Minister’s staff provided a letter of assistance to help secure a bed for Halder at SSKM.

Following the intervention, Halder was readmitted to SSKM Hospital. Upon his return, hospital personnel directed him to the general surgery department as an outpatient. While waiting for treatment, Halder reportedly suffered a heart attack and was subsequently declared dead by the medical team. His family expressed their dissatisfaction with the hospital's response and alleged that they did not receive the necessary medical attention in a timely manner.