Alleged Mismanagement at Wenlock Hospital Raised at SC/ST Grievance Meet

Alleged Mismanagement at Wenlock Hospital Raised at SC/ST Grievance Meet

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 29, 2025: Allegations of poor patient care and administrative lapses at the city’s Wenlock Hospital were raised during the monthly grievance meeting of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), held on Sunday at the City Police Commissioner’s office under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mithun.

Dalit leader Mukesh alleged that patients at the government hospital are being treated negligently and in an inhuman manner. He pointed out that beds are not numbered and patient-related documents are not properly maintained, leading to confusion and hardship for patients.

Mukesh further alleged that people approaching the Ayushman registration centre at the hospital are being harassed. Sharing his personal experience, he said his mother was admitted as an inpatient on November 3, but her Ayushman card was not collected, depriving her of government benefits. He claimed that the hospital staff withheld the file and harassed the family, and the issue was resolved only after the intervention of the DCP.

Questioning why poor patients are subjected to such difficulties, Mukesh said that despite the presence of around 100 to 150 beds across three wards on the second floor, all bed-related files are kept at a single counter. As there are no bed numbers, it is difficult to identify which patient is being treated in which bed.

He expressed concern that treatment is being administered by calling out patients’ names, posing a serious risk if two patients share the same name. In such cases, there is a possibility of injections or medicines meant for one patient being given to another. Mukesh said that despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the notice of the authorities concerned, no corrective measures have been taken.

Dalit leaders also expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged lack of response from the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) to Dalit-related grievances. During the presentation of the compliance report of the previous meeting, Dalit leader Anand referred to the suicide of Abhishek Acharya from Karkala, which he said was being falsely portrayed as a “honey trap” on social media. He pointed out that the Udupi Superintendent of Police had already clarified that it was not a honey trap, but false propaganda was still being spread, allegedly blaming a young woman from the Dalit community. He said the DCRE had failed to respond adequately despite being approached for justice.

The leaders alleged that the DCRE Superintendent is rarely available in the office, often citing engagement in SIT investigations. They also said several posts in the department remain vacant and demanded full-time appointments to ensure justice for Dalits. They further urged that the DCRE office be relocated to the old Deputy Commissioner’s office building. Responding to these concerns, DCP Mithun said a letter would be written to the Director General of Police seeking the filling of vacant posts.

Allegations were also made that the Panambur and Moodbidri police stations are not functioning in a citizen-friendly manner. Dalit leaders criticised ACP Srikanth and Inspector Sandesh, alleging inappropriate behaviour towards complainants. Dalit leader Sumathi said that while the Police Commissioner and the DCP enjoy a good reputation, some officers are tarnishing their image and demanded their transfer.

Responding to the allegations, DCP Mithun said the department would verify the facts. He emphasised that police stations must function in a citizen-friendly manner and said citizens could approach senior officers if grievances persist.

During the meeting, Chandra Kumar highlighted the issue of the non-construction of Ambedkar Circle, while leader Girish Kumar raised other concerns. South ACP Vijayakranti compered the programme.