A shocking incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district has sparked serious concerns over medical negligence after a man declared dead by doctors at a private hospital in Kanpur was later found alive at his home.
The incident occurred in Gurusahai Ganj town, where the man, a shopkeeper living on Tirwa Road, reportedly fell ill on the evening of December 31 while sitting near a bonfire outside his house. Alarmed by his deteriorating condition, family members first rushed him to a local private hospital, which referred him to Kanpur due to his critical state.
He was admitted to a private hospital in Kanpur and placed on ventilator support. Family members allege that on January 2, around 6 pm, doctors at the hospital declared him dead and instructed them to take the body away.
As news of his death reached Gurusahai Ganj, the family was plunged into grief. The body was brought back home late at night, and with the last rites planned for the following morning, municipal authorities arranged a deep freezer to preserve the body.
However, about half an hour later, in the presence of relatives and neighbours, family members noticed slight movements in the man’s hands and legs. Initially dismissed as an illusion, the movements soon became more pronounced, and signs of breathing were clearly visible.
Panic ensued as the family realised the man was alive. On checking, they found his body warm and detected a pulse. Without delay, he was rushed back to the Kanpur hospital, where doctors confirmed that he was alive and readmitted him for treatment.
According to hospital sources, the man’s condition is currently critical but stable, and he remains under medical care.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with locals accusing the hospital of gross negligence for allegedly declaring the patient dead without a thorough examination. Residents said that had there been any delay, or had the freezer not been arranged in time, a living person could have been cremated.
While prayers are being offered for the man’s recovery, the episode has raised troubling questions about medical accountability and patient safety.
