📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / India Post, Government of India
Health
Bihar Hospital Refers Patient After Plaster Replaced with Cloth, Sparks Official Action
✍️ Amar Ujala · Patna
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 08:25 AM
👁 4
A recent incident in Bihar where a patient was sent to another facility after a plaster was replaced with a cloth has prompted a response from health authorities, though similar cases continue to appear.
A photograph that showed a patient’s plaster replaced with a simple cloth (gatta) went viral in Bihar, revealing that the patient was subsequently referred to another government hospital for further treatment. The image sparked public outcry and drew the attention of the state health department, which announced that an inquiry would be launched into the medical staff involved.
The department confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated against the personnel responsible for the improper dressing, but officials noted that the measure had not yet been extended to other hospitals where similar practices might exist. They emphasized that the response was limited to the specific case that attracted media coverage.
Within days, another photograph emerged showing a comparable situation in a different facility, suggesting that the problem may be more widespread than initially thought. Health officials have urged hospitals across the state to review their orthopedic protocols and ensure that standard plaster casts are used instead of makeshift cloth bandages.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter oversight of medical procedures in public hospitals, with patient safety groups demanding systematic audits and better training for staff handling fracture care.
The department confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated against the personnel responsible for the improper dressing, but officials noted that the measure had not yet been extended to other hospitals where similar practices might exist. They emphasized that the response was limited to the specific case that attracted media coverage.
Within days, another photograph emerged showing a comparable situation in a different facility, suggesting that the problem may be more widespread than initially thought. Health officials have urged hospitals across the state to review their orthopedic protocols and ensure that standard plaster casts are used instead of makeshift cloth bandages.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter oversight of medical procedures in public hospitals, with patient safety groups demanding systematic audits and better training for staff handling fracture care.