'Jailed Gorakhpur doctors denied treatment'

The wife of a doctor arrested after several children died in BRD Medical College here last year has alleged that her husband and other doctors were being denied medical care in jail.

The district prison authorities have rejected the charge.

Dr Shabistan Khan's husband Kafeel Ahmed is among the nine accused in a case registered after the deaths last August, allegedly due to lack of oxygen supply.

She alleged at a press conference at her home that the doctors lodged in the prison may be "killed".

She said her husband suffered a heart stroke on March 29 but was not given proper treatment.

"The former BRD Medical College principal, Dr Rajiv Mishra, is suffering from liver disease and diabetes but he is also not getting proper medical attention," she claimed.

Dr Khan said another accused, Dr Purnima Shukla, who is suffering from a hairline fracture, is also not getting the required attention.

"I met Dr Rajiv. He has turned pale and lost weight. My husband has also lost weight and they need good treatment," she said.

"Over eight months have passed but no justice has been delivered," she added.

She said the doctors were being made scapegoats for the tragedy when the "big fish" were responsible.

She blamed the state government's medical department for allegedly not releasing funds for the company supplying oxygen cylinders to the hospital.

When contacted the jail's senior superintendent said Dr Kafeel had some health problems. The prison cardiologist did a check-up on him and prescribed some medicines.

The prison authorities have sought security personnel to accompany him for visits to doctors outside, he said.

He said Purnima Shukla hurt herself when she slipped while going to the bathroom, and was given medical treatment. "The condition of Dr Rajiv and Dr Purnima is improving," he said.