Rajkot, October 23, 2026: Rajkot Civil Hospital has ordered an inquiry after a viral video showed an elderly woman, believed to be in her 70s, pushing another elderly patient on a stretcher without assistance from hospital staff. The incident has sparked criticism over patient-support services at one of Gujarat’s major government hospitals.
The video reportedly shows the woman moving the stretcher outside the hospital’s trauma centre while no staff member appears to be helping her.
Viral Video Raises Questions Over Hospital Services
The footage quickly circulated on social media and triggered questions over why an elderly attendant had to move a patient on her own inside the hospital premises.
The patient is believed to be the woman’s husband, though hospital officials have not publicly confirmed all details surrounding their identities.
Hospital Administration Orders Inquiry
Hospital accounts officer Dr. M. S. Roy confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated to determine why the woman did not receive assistance.
He described the visuals as disappointing and said officials are examining who was responsible for helping patients at the time of the incident.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
According to hospital officials, show-cause notices have been issued to staff members or the agency responsible for patient-assistance services.
The administration is seeking an explanation for the apparent absence of help when the elderly woman was moving the stretcher.
Hospital Protocol Requires Staff Assistance
Dr. Roy said hospital protocol requires Class 4 employees or designated support staff to assist patients in moving from one ward or department to another after treatment.
The viral video has therefore raised concerns over whether existing procedures were properly followed.
Hospital Was Not Overcrowded, Official Says
Officials also said the hospital did not appear to be unusually overcrowded at the time.
This has strengthened questions over why staff assistance was unavailable despite established procedures for transporting patients on stretchers.
New SOP Planned to Prevent Repeat
Hospital authorities have said they plan to introduce or strengthen a standard operating procedure to ensure patients and attendants are not left without support in similar situations.
The proposed measures are expected to include clearer responsibility for stretcher assistance and stricter monitoring of support staff.
Incident Happened Earlier This Week
The episode is believed to have taken place earlier this week outside the trauma centre at Rajkot Civil Hospital.
The story gained wider attention after the video spread online and was subsequently reported by multiple news outlets.
Public Anger Over Treatment of Elderly Patients
The footage has generated strong reactions online, with users questioning how an elderly woman was left to move a patient without assistance in a large government hospital.
The incident has also renewed debate over staffing, accountability and basic patient-care services in public healthcare facilities.
Probe to Fix Responsibility
The inquiry will examine which employees or contracted workers were on duty, whether support staff were available and why the woman reportedly had to move the stretcher herself.
Further action could follow depending on the findings of the investigation.
Hospital Promises Corrective Measures
Rajkot Civil Hospital has said it is taking the matter seriously and will work to ensure a similar incident does not recur.
The administration is expected to review staffing arrangements and patient-assistance procedures as part of the inquiry.
Source: The Indian Express, Aaj Tak
Supreme News Network
