India

Turned away from Army hospital in Delhi, retired Brigadier dies on way to Chandigarh

A retired Brigadier of the Indian Army died of Covid-related complications while on his way from Delhi to Chandigarh on Wednesday night.

Brigadier Rashpal Singh Parmar Brigadier (retd) was being taken to Chandigarh after his son was unable to secure a bed in any of the hospitals in Delhi, including Army’s Base Hospital and DRDO’s hospital, The Indian Express reported.

The Brigadier’s family members had arranged an oxygen cylinder for him and drove him to Chandigarh for immediate treatment. However, he died on the way.

Lt Col S S Sohi (retd), President of Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell, Mohali, told The Indian Express that Parmar was turned away from all hospitals despite showing all documents.

“After being denied admission in Base Hospital, his son took him to the DRDO Hospital near the airport. But he could not secure admission even there despite showing all documents. Private hospitals too didn’t help,” Lt Col Sohi was quoted as saying.

“Even veterans who are members of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and are required to be managed by nominated civilian hospitals are being entertained at Military Hospitals to the extent possible. At this time, the medical personnel who are burdened, yet are performing their duties with utmost sincerity need to be encouraged,” a senior officer at Army Headquarters in Delhi told The Indian Express.

The officer further said that no civilian was currently admitted at Base Hospital and all the beds were occupied by serving personnel, veterans, and their dependents. He said medical resources were being augmented.

Brig Parmar was commissioned on March 14, 1971, in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). Parmar is survived by his wife and two sons.

Click to comment
To Top