A wild jackal’s entry into the surgical ward of SNMMCH government hospital in Dhanbad on November 19th caused a stir among patients and staff. The animal was seen near the barricades, and its quick departure was prompted by patients activating lights. While the incident fortunately resulted in no injuries, it has brought the hospital’s security arrangements into sharp focus.
Minister of Health, Dr. Irfan Ansari, addressed the media regarding the jackal sighting, advocating for a broader perspective on such occurrences. He posed questions like, “If a tiger enters the hospital, is it my responsibility? If a tiger enters the city, is it the government’s fault?” He further explained that incidents like snakes appearing in rural healthcare settings are generally beyond the scope of medical staff responsibility and not a reflection of their competence or the hospital’s management.
To improve healthcare services in Dhanbad, the state government is set to establish an advanced medical college and super-specialty hospital. The process for this significant development has already begun. Authorities have been instructed to implement robust security measures and ensure exemplary sanitation within the hospital premises to prevent any repeat of such disruptive events. The minister emphasized his ongoing efforts to upgrade medical facilities and patient care standards throughout Jharkhand.