An unsettling incident at Dhanbad’s SNMMCH government hospital has put its security infrastructure under the spotlight. On the night of November 19th, a jackal ventured into the surgical ward, causing a stir among patients and hospital personnel. The situation escalated when the animal was spotted near the barricades, prompting patients to demand better lighting, which led to the jackal’s rapid retreat. While the hospital experienced a moment of fear, there were no casualties or attacks by the wild animal.
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari addressed the media regarding the jackal’s presence. He emphasized that attributing blame to the hospital or medical staff for such animal intrusions is unreasonable, comparing it to the commonality of encountering snakes in rural medical facilities, which are beyond a doctor’s jurisdiction. The minister articulated his stance by asking, ‘If a tiger enters the hospital, is it my responsibility? Is the government at fault if a tiger enters the city?’ He highlighted the government’s commitment to upgrading medical services and announced that Dhanbad will soon receive a state-of-the-art medical college hospital. The minister has urged relevant authorities to rectify the existing security and management issues at SNMMCH. He is actively involved in improving healthcare delivery across the state and is pushing for better medical facilities. Plans are in motion for a new super-specialty hospital and medical college in Dhanbad, aiming to provide superior healthcare and robust security for the community. The hospital administration has received clear directives to enhance security and hygiene standards and ensure such incidents do not reoccur.