RabiesCase – Bhiwandi Boy Dies Weeks After Stray Dog Attack, Negligence Alleged
RabiesCase – A 12-year-old boy from Bhiwandi died last Friday, nearly three weeks after suffering serious injuries in a stray dog attack, prompting allegations of medical negligence and raising broader questions about the treatment of dog bite victims in government hospitals. While the grieving family has accused local medical authorities of failing to provide adequate care, hospital officials have firmly denied any lapse, stating that all prescribed treatment protocols were followed.
Dog Attack Leaves Child Critically Injured
The incident occurred on January 10, when the boy, Hamid Khan, was playing outside his residence in Bhiwandi. A stray dog suddenly attacked him, causing severe bite wounds to his face and near the rib area. Family members immediately rushed the injured child to the government-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Bhiwandi for emergency treatment.
According to hospital records, doctors administered the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine soon after his arrival. Given the depth and location of the injuries, medical staff referred the child to Thane Civil Hospital for a surgical assessment to rule out complications that could not be handled locally.
Family Returns Patient to Local Hospital
Doctors at Thane Civil Hospital reportedly advised that the child be admitted for close observation and further care. However, the family chose to return to Bhiwandi, citing financial difficulties and the challenges of frequent travel. The boy was then brought back to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where follow-up treatment continued.
Over the next several days, Hamid received additional doses of the anti-rabies vaccine on January 13 and January 17. Medical staff scheduled the final dose for January 28, in line with the vaccination protocol. Hospital authorities maintain that the boy was monitored during this period and showed no immediate signs of serious complications.
Sudden Decline in Health Condition
On January 27, a day before the final vaccine dose was due, the child’s health reportedly worsened. He developed breathing difficulties, prompting doctors at the Bhiwandi hospital to refer him once again to Thane Civil Hospital, stating that he required advanced medical support not available locally.
From Thane, the boy was shifted to Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai’s Chinchpokli area for intensive care treatment. Despite efforts by medical teams, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he died during treatment last Friday.
Cause of Death Awaited, Hospital Responds
Health officials have stated that the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the autopsy report is received. Preliminary medical observations suggest that the death may be linked to rabies-related complications affecting the brain or possibly due to a weakened immune response.
The superintendent of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital said the child was provided with anti-rabies vaccines, rabies immunoglobulin, tetanus injections, and antibiotics as per standard medical guidelines. She added that the hospital referred the patient to higher medical centres whenever the need for specialised care arose, rejecting claims of negligence.
Family and Political Leaders Raise Concerns
The boy’s family, however, has questioned the hospital’s capacity to handle serious dog bite cases, alleging that it functions primarily as a referral facility without adequate treatment infrastructure. They argue that earlier access to advanced care might have changed the outcome.
Echoing these concerns, Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said the case highlights systemic shortcomings in public healthcare facilities dealing with animal bite incidents. He stated that he would raise the issue in the upcoming assembly session and called for accountability if any medical lapses are identified during the investigation.
The incident has intensified calls for improved rabies management, better-equipped hospitals, and stronger stray animal control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.