He demands bribe for liquor

It was only a month back, when 22-year-old G Krishna and his family celebrated the arrival of his son. With dreams in his eyes to provide a better future for him, he had even bought an auto to earn a living. But little did he know that an inhuman act would end his life abruptly.Krishna, diagnosed with chronic Tuberculosis (TB) was admitted to the Government Chest Hospital. Both his lungs had been damaged by the disease and he needed an oxygen cylinder to breathe and survive.However, not being able to pay the Rs 200 bribe allegedly demanded by the male nursing orderly Meenaiah, led to his untimely demise. Pleading and begging for help to save a human life did not move the MNO , who sought money to buy alcohol.He was joined by G Kavita, a ward nurse. Meenaiah had been allegedly demanding bribes from most patients in return for basic services. His activities came to light in the preliminary probe by the hospital management.“After a team of doctors performed a minor surgery, Krishna was suffering severe lung pain. He was then administered artificial oxygen cylinder and two bottles of saline. A few minutes later, my son suffered severe pains due to a non-functioning oxygen cylinder. I alerted G Kavita and Meenaiah to change it. Krishna and me pleaded with them. But, they ignored all our pleas when we failed to pay the bribe of Rs 200,” said G Lakshmamma, Krishna’s mother.“My son might have been alive if the staff had responded on time. How can a staff member of in a sarkari davakhana demand a bribe?” she asked. G Narasimha, elder brother of Krishna told Expresso that after admitting his brother, he had already paid about Rs 1,000 bribe to sweeper, ward boy, ward nurse at the male emergency ward.Dr SV Prasad, hospital superintendent said the preliminary probe revealed Meenaiah and G Kavita had demanded a bribe of Rs 200 from G Krishna and his mother Lakshmamma to provide medical service.“Based on the report, we served notices to Meenaiah and G Kavita for their explanation within three days. We will take stern action against them after that,” Dr Prasad said. The hospital management has already suspended both the staff. Sanjeevareddy Nagar police are also going to arrest Meenaiah.

By Mouli Mareedu