Panic erupted at the SNMMCH government hospital in Dhanbad when a jackal was spotted inside the surgical ward late on November 19th. Patients and hospital staff were alarmed by the unexpected intrusion. The wild animal was seen near the hospital’s barricades, and the commotion caused by patients turning on lights led to its rapid departure. The incident has cast a shadow over the hospital’s security measures, although thankfully, no one was harmed.
During a media interaction, Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari addressed the concerns, comparing the jackal incident to broader urban wildlife encounters. He remarked, “If a tiger enters the hospital, is it my responsibility? If a tiger enters the city, is it the government’s fault?” He further elaborated that minor occurrences like snakes appearing in rural health centers are often beyond a doctor’s direct influence and not an indicator of medical negligence. The minister stressed that assigning blame for every wildlife sighting within a city or hospital premises to the government or medical staff is unreasonable.
Dr. Ansari also highlighted upcoming developments aimed at bolstering healthcare in Dhanbad. A new, advanced medical college and super-specialty hospital are in the pipeline, with the initial processes already underway. This initiative is expected to significantly elevate the quality of medical services and patient safety in the region. The hospital administration has been given clear directives to enhance security, ensure cleanliness, and prevent any recurrence of such unsettling incidents. The minister remains dedicated to overseeing improvements in healthcare services throughout Jharkhand.