Ranchi: A 16-year-old schoolgirl died of an unascertained condition at a private nursing home in Ranchi on Monday morning, with the management insisting on Japanese encephalitis but without tests and her treating doctor, not associated with the heal hub, blaming severe dehydration and possible heat stroke.
Kitty Apolina Tirkey, a resident of Peace Road who appeared for her ICSE examination from Don Bosco School in the capital this year, was admitted to Orchid Nursing Home on Friday. “She was taken to the ICU. On Sunday, they put her on ventilation and this (Monday) morning, we lost her,” sobbed mother Priti Tirkey.
The bereaved woman stressed that her daughter died of a heat stroke. “On Thursday, she had fever and woke up thirsty in the morning. I gave her aam panna (raw mango sherbet) and took her to the doctor,” the mother recalled.
Dr Reeta Zedek, a noted gynaecologist and known to the family, suggested that Kitty who was severely dehydrated then be hospitalised.
“My husband, Dilip Tirkey, who works with the railways and is posted in Asansol, was not around. So, I requested for oral rehydration. My daughter felt better after taking the medicines, but began vomiting at night,” Priti said.
Kitty was admitted to Dr Zedek’s maternity centre around 5.45am on Friday, but by 9am she was referred out because the centre was not equipped to treat her. That is when the family admitted her to Orchid.
Santosh Kumar, public relations officer of the nursing home, said they suspected the girl was suffering from Japanese encephalitis. Asked whether Kitty was tested for the JE virus, he claimed she was brought in a condition in which pathological survey wasn’t possible. He clammed up when asked if Kitty might have died of a heat stroke and subsequent negligence.
Dr Victor Zedek, husband of Dr Reeta and a noted physician himself, said acute dehydration could lead to other complications if left untreated for a certain period of time. The Orchid authorities refused to issue any further statement while the schoolgirl’s health report mentioned “convulsions” before death.
The bereaved family held a condolence meeting at their residence on Monday evening, where Priti blamed herself for delaying hospital admission. “I will not get back my daughter, but my misfortune should send a message to other parents. They must take special care of their children in this harsh weather,” she said.
Dilip and Priti are now left with their nine-year-old son. Jasper Anmol Tirkey is a student of St John’s School.
Ratan Tirkey, a neighbour of the family and member of Tribal Advisory Council, said he would write to the deputy commissioner, requesting early summer vacation in all schools.
Deputy commissioner Manoj Kumar, on the other hand, on Monday directed all schools to hold classes till 10.30am from Tuesday, except for ninth and tenth graders who can study till 11.30am.