7-year-old child dies after Kanti Hospital refuses treatment

KATHMANDU: Senjal Shahi from Baglung’s Nishikhola, who was turned away from Kanti Children’s Hospital without receiving treatment, has tragically passed away.

Shahi breathed her last on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Nepal-India Friendship Hospital in Chabahil.

According to journalist Raju Subedi, who closely followed Shahi’s case, despite concerted efforts by both her family and hospital doctors, they were unable to save her.

Subedi said that following the government hospital’s refusal to treat her, Shahi’s family had to resort to private hospital care, incurring an additional cost of 8 lakhs.

Shahi was grappling with kidney issues and was transported from Butwal to Kathmandu on the Chaith 6 (March 19).

She had been receiving treatment at Amda Hospital in Butwal for the past 16 days.

However, when her condition worsened beyond the capabilities of the hospital, she was referred to Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, her condition deteriorated, facing respiratory issues, requiring ventilator support.

However, Kanti Children’s Hospital, lacking ventilators, allegedly refused to provide treatment, stating that they were unable to treat her.

After facing initial obstacles, she was finally treated at the Nepal-India Friendship Hospital.

There were allegations from Shahi’s relatives that despite being on a ventilator at Kanti Children’s Hospital, she succumbed to her condition.

The hospital faced criticism on social media platforms for several days following the incident.

• Subedi wrote on social media:-