Sarfaraz Dies Mid-Dialysis as Power Cut Halts Treatment at Medical College

KKN Gurugram Desk | A tragic lapse in critical care arrangements at Bijnor Medical College (Mahatma Vidur Medical College) claimed the life of 26-year-old Sarfaraz Ahmad during a routine dialysis session on Friday morning. A sudden power outage halted the dialysis machine, and a malfunctioning backup generator—devoid of fuel—failed to resume treatment. A government official was present but unable to save him in time. Four other patients in the same room had smoother outcomes. The incident has ignited widespread outrage and prompted an official investigation.

Incident Overview – Life Lost on the Dialysis Machine

Sarfaraz, a resident of Phulsanda village, arrived at the medical college around 10 AM for scheduled dialysis treatment alongside his mother, Salma. While his procedure was underway, the hospital experienced a sudden power outage. With no backup electricity, the dialysis machine stopped, trapping about half of his blood inside, according to eyewitnesses. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his unfortunate death on-site—his mother’s desperate pleas for help went unanswered.

 Critical System Failure: Power Cut + No Diesel in Generator

This disaster underscores a major infrastructure failure at the hospital:

Although the CDO rushed into action, ordering diesel for the generator, retrieval was delayed. Diesel arrived in time to resume treatment for four other patients, but Sarfaraz had already passed away.

 Those Present and Affected

At least five people were undergoing treatment in the dialysis ward. Other patients, while frightened, received medical attention without serious consequences once power was restored. Sadly, the system’s failure meant only Sarfaraz lost his life.

 Public Outrage and Demand for Accountability

News of the failure spread rapidly. District officials, including District Magistrate Jasjit Kaur and Chief Medical Officer, rushed to the site. The dilapidated condition of the dialysis ward became evident: insufficient staff, unsanitary conditions, and broken Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Many termed it a criminal health hazard.

The DM announced an inquiry with immediate orders:

• Seizure of relevant contracts and records

• Blacklisting the private agency running the unit

• Filing cases for negligence and criminal dereliction

• A full probe led by the CDO, with a comprehensive report due

 Private Agency Blamed: Sanjeevani LLP Under Scrutiny

The dialysis unit operates through a public-private partnership under Sanjeevani Private Limited, contracted since 2020. Despite the lapse, the hospital continued payments. Now, the agency is likely to be blacklisted pending outcome of the inquiry.

 Emotional Toll on the Family

Sarfaraz’s mother, Salma, spoke in despair: “His treatment was going well. I begged them to start the generator, but they said there was no diesel. I pleaded and no one listened.” Sarfaraz is survived by his wife and young children. Villagers of Phulsanda expressed outrage at the hospital’s failure to protect life during basic emergency services.

 Systemic Failures Exposed

This tragedy is a grim reminder of broader issues in public healthcare infrastructure:

1. Power and backup system checks must be routine

2. Emergency equipment needs regular maintenance & fuel

3. Dedicated staffing levels (doctor, technician, nurse) are critical

4. Sanitation standards must be enforced—dialysis wards are high-risk

5. Routine audits of emergency protocols should be mandated

Such recurrent lapses—seen in earlier ambulance and ICU incidents—demand structural reforms.

What Happens Next

• Diesel blacklisting: Sanjeevani may face contract termination

• Criminal proceedings: Charges are likely under medical negligence

• Public relief: Hospital to improve emergency protocols

• Audit overhaul: Mechanical and power systems to be tested regularly

Residents demand accountability and safer healthcare practices before tragedies repeat.

Sarfaraz Ahmad’s death during a routine dialysis exposes deep-rooted neglect in emergency healthcare systems. A simple power backup failure took his life—a tragedy underlined by administrative oversight and lack of due diligence.

As UP authorities spring into action, quick decisions on accountability, infrastructure reforms, and equipment audits are essential to restore trust in public health facilities and save more lives.