The body was taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of death. (Representational Image)

Cancer patient slits throat at Lucknow hospital over financial stress

A liver cancer patient allegedly died by suicide inside Lucknow's SGPGI hospital after using a blade. Police are investigating how he obtained the blade inside the hospital and recording statements from staff and family.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Mushtaq Ali, 61, had been admitted for nearly a month
  • Officials said prolonged illness and treatment costs had caused severe stress
  • Hospital staff found him critically injured and doctors tried emergency treatment

A patient undergoing treatment at a Lucknow hospital allegedly died by suicide after slitting his throat with a blade inside the hospital premises, police said. According to officials, the deceased had been battling liver cancer and had been admitted to Lucknow's Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences for nearly a month. Preliminary information suggests that he was under severe mental stress due to his prolonged illness and financial difficulties related to treatment expenses.

Hospital staff reportedly discovered the patient in a critical condition after he allegedly used a blade to injure himself. Doctors and medical personnel rushed to provide emergency treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amit Kumar Anand told reporters the deceased has been identified as Mushtaq Ali (61), a resident of Basti district, who was suffering from liver cancer.

The incident created panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff, with security personnel immediately cordoning off the area.

Police reached the hospital soon after receiving information about the incident. The body was taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of death.

Investigators said they are examining all aspects of the case, including how the patient managed to obtain a blade inside the hospital despite security protocols. Statements of hospital staff, attendants and family members are also being recorded as part of the inquiry.

Officials said the patient had reportedly been distressed for some time due to the progression of his disease and mounting financial burden. Police said further details would emerge only after a thorough investigation.

Authorities said necessary legal formalities are being carried out and further investigation into the matter is underway.

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