Gorokhpur Hospital Tragedy

The Baba Raghav Das Medical College and Hospital in Gorakhpur is not only a place of hope for the region but also for neighboring states. Every year, ordinary people flock there for treatment of encephalitis and other diseases. Above all, it is the workplace of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Trust is to be expected. But on August 10, 2017, that trust was shattered. Despite repeated reminders, the government did not pay the vendor 6.8 million rupees owed for oxygen cylinders, resulting in a supply halt. As children and other patients struggled for breath, gasping like fish out of water, Dr. Kafeel Khan, a teacher and doctor, undertook a superhuman effort to save lives. While his personal intervention ensured oxygen for some and saved many, 63 children and 18 adult patients tragically died. The government, holding him responsible for “dereliction of duty,” arrested and sentenced him, leaving the entire country stunned. Dr. Kafeel Khan’s personal and professional life was shattered. Though now “free” by Supreme Court order, the case continues. In this unequal struggle, his victory may be far off, yet we believe… “The child most beautiful / we have yet to see. The most beautiful child. Has yet to grow. Our most beautiful days / we have yet to have. The sweetest words I wish to speak / I have yet to speak.”