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The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy: A Doctor's Memoir of a Deadly Medical Crisis
On the evening of 10 August 2017, liquid oxygen ran out at the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College’s Nehru Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, over the next two days, more than eighty patients – sixty-three children and eighteen adults – lost their lives. In the intervening hours, Dr Kafeel Khan, the junior-most lecturer at the college’s paediatrics department, went to extraordinary lengths to secure oxygen cylinders, perform emergency treatment and rally the staff in order to prevent as many deaths as possible.
As the news of the tragedy grabbed national attention, Khan was called a hero for working ceaselessly to control the crisis and drawing attention to a healthcare system in dire need of repair. But a few days later, he found himself suspended and that an FIR had been filed against nine individuals, including him, for corruption and medical negligence, among other grave charges. Soon after he was summarily carted off to jail.
The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy is Kafeel Khan’s first-hand chronicle of the events of that fateful night in August 2017 and the gut-wrenching turmoil that followed – a suspension without end, eight-month-long incarceration and a relentless fight for justice in the face of extreme apathy and persecution.
As the news of the tragedy grabbed national attention, Khan was called a hero for working ceaselessly to control the crisis and drawing attention to a healthcare system in dire need of repair. But a few days later, he found himself suspended and that an FIR had been filed against nine individuals, including him, for corruption and medical negligence, among other grave charges. Soon after he was summarily carted off to jail.
The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy is Kafeel Khan’s first-hand chronicle of the events of that fateful night in August 2017 and the gut-wrenching turmoil that followed – a suspension without end, eight-month-long incarceration and a relentless fight for justice in the face of extreme apathy and persecution.
344 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 8, 2022
Absolutely essential reading.
February 4, 2022
This book is a must read for anyone associated with the healthcare system in India, especially in the public sector. Dr Kafeel Khan gives an honest first-hand account of his own experience, with as many details as was possible for him to include. It provides a peek into the hassles and obstacles plaguing our public healthcare sector, as well as the judiciary and bureaucracy. Not many books might describe the conditions of jails and their inmates observed keenly from an intellectual man’s point of view, as has been narrated in this book. Most importantly it elucidates how our media, social and mainstream both, plays a role in starting and spreading hate campaigns which might destroy families and even communities. By detailing all the events in a plain and matter-of-fact manner, this book emphasises how common citizens first suffer at the hands of a corrupt system, and then get divided into a cleverly crafted debates drawn on communal lines, even when the original nature of the events had little to do with the latter.
Dr Khan’s story is poignant. You feel for him, his family and even for the patients and their families at every step. You get to see how a selfless and honest doctor can be victimised, blamed and punished for the work he was actually supposed to do: treating patients. You get to read how someone’s life can change so dramatically just after a single workplace event.
Dr Khan’s fortitude is laudable. Despite suffering so much he refuses to be drawn into communal debates regarding that event. His persisting concern is for the lives lost, and how further lives can be saved.
Apart from the contents of this book, I give full points to the language and writing style as well. His language is simple and straightforward, meant to reach maximum readers possible to create awareness. His way of describing all details, including his thoughts and anxieties, and his family members’ varied opinions is clearly an honest stating of facts and not a deliberate or fake attempt at gaining sympathy. Besides, the book keeps you absorbed and enthusiastic with each chapter: it does not bore you anywhere in spite of the intense detailing.
While the book details all the facts which were in Dr Khan’s capacity to assimilate regarding this particular tragedy at the Gorakhpur Hospital, it leaves the readers with a plethora of as yet unanswered questions, not merely pertaining to that particular event but also regarding the long-existing “system” in India. It is indeed an eye-opener at various points. We get an insight into important links in the chain of our system either taken for granted by many, or considered inconsequential by others.
Dr Khan’s story is poignant. You feel for him, his family and even for the patients and their families at every step. You get to see how a selfless and honest doctor can be victimised, blamed and punished for the work he was actually supposed to do: treating patients. You get to read how someone’s life can change so dramatically just after a single workplace event.
Dr Khan’s fortitude is laudable. Despite suffering so much he refuses to be drawn into communal debates regarding that event. His persisting concern is for the lives lost, and how further lives can be saved.
Apart from the contents of this book, I give full points to the language and writing style as well. His language is simple and straightforward, meant to reach maximum readers possible to create awareness. His way of describing all details, including his thoughts and anxieties, and his family members’ varied opinions is clearly an honest stating of facts and not a deliberate or fake attempt at gaining sympathy. Besides, the book keeps you absorbed and enthusiastic with each chapter: it does not bore you anywhere in spite of the intense detailing.
While the book details all the facts which were in Dr Khan’s capacity to assimilate regarding this particular tragedy at the Gorakhpur Hospital, it leaves the readers with a plethora of as yet unanswered questions, not merely pertaining to that particular event but also regarding the long-existing “system” in India. It is indeed an eye-opener at various points. We get an insight into important links in the chain of our system either taken for granted by many, or considered inconsequential by others.
January 16, 2023
The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy by Kafeel Khan is a poignant and powerful account of the medical crisis that occurred at the Gorakhpur hospital in India in 2017.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Dr. Kafeel Khan's honesty and vulnerability in describing his experiences and emotions during the crisis.
He writes about the guilt, anger, and helplessness he felt as a doctor and how it all affected him personally and professionally.
He also writes about how he was falsely accused and arrested in the aftermath of the emergency and its influence.
Overall, it is a fast-paced and thought-provoking book and a must-read for anyone who is interested in reading about the BRD issue or the Indian public health system in general.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Dr. Kafeel Khan's honesty and vulnerability in describing his experiences and emotions during the crisis.
He writes about the guilt, anger, and helplessness he felt as a doctor and how it all affected him personally and professionally.
He also writes about how he was falsely accused and arrested in the aftermath of the emergency and its influence.
Overall, it is a fast-paced and thought-provoking book and a must-read for anyone who is interested in reading about the BRD issue or the Indian public health system in general.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
January 25, 2022
I just finished reading this book. While the subject is tragic, it was a book I couldn't put down. Dr Kafeel is a brave man, who not only does his duty as a doctor, but has come out of a harrowing ordeal while smiling. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the Indian healthcare system, the bureaucracy, the red tape, the corruption and the Indian prison system.
I have written a larger review here: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2022/01/...
I have written a larger review here: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2022/01/...
February 10, 2022
A must read book about the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy and the truth behind it. The book is very engaging and enlightening about so many things apart from the tragedy. And above all, it showcases the fight of one man, Dr Kafeel Khan. Absolutely stunning story!
January 8, 2024
The Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur, India is a government ran hospital. This hospital is one of a few that are specialized to treat pediatric patients suffering from encephalitis. India is particularly troubled by cases of encephalitis, and they even have an "Encephalitis Season" that typically runs from May to October. This is a mosquito born illness, which is particularly prevalent during the rainy season in India. Part of the treatment for this illness is continuous oxygen supply. During August of 2017, a crisis emerged when the oxygen supply at the hospital ran out in all departments. The reason for the oxygen crisis was absolutely shameful, but I won't go into that here in case anyone is interested in reading the book. The investigation in the aftermath was also shameful, but I won't give any details away on that. There was unnecessary trauma and death during this crisis.
This book was written by a doctor in the pediatrics department, who immediately rushed to the hospital when he was summoned. He tried contacting his superiors and making arrangements to get more oxygen to the hospital. I think it is very unfortunate what happened to him during the investigation into the crisis. This book is about a 7 hour listen on Audible, which is the version that I have. It is available on Audible Plus, if you are interested, but be warned that if you struggle listening to narration with an accent, you may prefer the physical copy. I had never heard of this crisis, which happened fairly recently. I learned a lot from this book.
This book was written by a doctor in the pediatrics department, who immediately rushed to the hospital when he was summoned. He tried contacting his superiors and making arrangements to get more oxygen to the hospital. I think it is very unfortunate what happened to him during the investigation into the crisis. This book is about a 7 hour listen on Audible, which is the version that I have. It is available on Audible Plus, if you are interested, but be warned that if you struggle listening to narration with an accent, you may prefer the physical copy. I had never heard of this crisis, which happened fairly recently. I learned a lot from this book.
March 6, 2022
Good book. Depicts how our system works when one questions the system.
Though part 2 of book"Detention" gives in detail the agony of author, still I felt that it was too stretched and at times repetitive. And I am not belittling the suffering of author.
I also felt that the "Epilogue" must have gone into more details.
Otherwise good book.
Though part 2 of book"Detention" gives in detail the agony of author, still I felt that it was too stretched and at times repetitive. And I am not belittling the suffering of author.
I also felt that the "Epilogue" must have gone into more details.
Otherwise good book.
November 8, 2022
The truth behind the Gorakhpur hospital catastrophe is revealed in this essential book. The book is fascinating and instructive about many other topics besides the disaster. It is also quite eye-opening because it shows how wealthy people have better access to healthcare and political power.
March 2, 2022
This book is extremely eye opening, it exposes how the powerful people in better positions in the healthcare and even in the political system, in simple words , dont give a damn about people from lower classes, and how they can easily influence the entire world and change the whole story in their favor with just a few lies through media .
Story aside , the writing in this book was incredible. it makes you want to cry and laugh and literally makes you feel like you are experiencing this entire phase of life of Dr Kafeel through your own eyes. i dont normally read non fiction because i get bored pretty easily, but i finished this book within 2 days and couldnt put it down. Hats off to Dr Kafeel and every person involved in publishing this book. I hope it opens the eyes of people who think India is a place full of magic and rainbows.
Story aside , the writing in this book was incredible. it makes you want to cry and laugh and literally makes you feel like you are experiencing this entire phase of life of Dr Kafeel through your own eyes. i dont normally read non fiction because i get bored pretty easily, but i finished this book within 2 days and couldnt put it down. Hats off to Dr Kafeel and every person involved in publishing this book. I hope it opens the eyes of people who think India is a place full of magic and rainbows.
February 20, 2022
A must read!. I wish we have more people like Dr Kafeel khan around. I couldn’t keep the book down.
Read
September 2, 2023Have visited India a few times and heard stories of corruption - and thought of it more as a hiccup or irritation to society as people seem to overcome it. But this memoir tells the tragedy that is unseen and that corruption kills.
A young doctor rushes back to the hospital, frantically rescuing babies and children in the ICU as the hospital's supply of oxygen has run out. He uses his now money to buy some oxygen cylinders - bit the hospital needs hundreds more.
The leaders and heads of departments are now available to help.
The media comes as news of babies dying surfaces.
Dr Kafeel Khan, who works to save lives, is soon labelled and ostracised and imprisoned as a villain - on trumped up charges of corruption. He is not allowed bail. He is beaten up. And his family harassed.
How can this be ?
A sad story . A heroic one that should not have happened in the first place. The power mongers are still at large as the true reasons why the oxygen supply was cut off has not been officially answered.
A young doctor rushes back to the hospital, frantically rescuing babies and children in the ICU as the hospital's supply of oxygen has run out. He uses his now money to buy some oxygen cylinders - bit the hospital needs hundreds more.
The leaders and heads of departments are now available to help.
The media comes as news of babies dying surfaces.
Dr Kafeel Khan, who works to save lives, is soon labelled and ostracised and imprisoned as a villain - on trumped up charges of corruption. He is not allowed bail. He is beaten up. And his family harassed.
How can this be ?
A sad story . A heroic one that should not have happened in the first place. The power mongers are still at large as the true reasons why the oxygen supply was cut off has not been officially answered.
April 19, 2024
“The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy: A Doctor’s Memoir of a Deadly Medical Crisis” by Kafeel Khan is a gut-wrenching account that lays bare the harrowing events surrounding the catastrophic oxygen shortage at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. In August 2017, when the supply of piped liquid oxygen ran out, 63 infants and 18 adults lost their lives. Khan, the junior most lecturer at the Department of Pediatrics, was at the forefront of the desperate struggle to procure oxygen cylinders. His personal endeavors, including paying from his own pocket and even using his ATM card, were tragically misconstrued. The book reconstructs dialogues and vividly portrays the parents’ anguish. Khan’s memoir is a stark reminder of the systemic failures, political targeting, media trial, and administrative apathy that led to this devastating medical crisis. It leaves us grappling with the haunting question: Who bears responsibility for such preventable tragedies?1.
November 9, 2023
4.5/5
Gives a first person perspective about what actually happened during the Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy where 63 children died due to lack of Medical Oxygen supply and how the system worked to cover it up by making Dr.Kafeel Khan as a scapegoat.
In this book, Dr.Kafeel briefly explains the reason for the tragedy, how he handled it and how the government ruthlessly arrested him and covered a scam. At times, this book felt like reading a forbidden secret and that's the impression it leaves on you. A must read if you are eager to learn about how police and judiciary works and the plight of North Indian Hospitals.
Gives a first person perspective about what actually happened during the Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy where 63 children died due to lack of Medical Oxygen supply and how the system worked to cover it up by making Dr.Kafeel Khan as a scapegoat.
In this book, Dr.Kafeel briefly explains the reason for the tragedy, how he handled it and how the government ruthlessly arrested him and covered a scam. At times, this book felt like reading a forbidden secret and that's the impression it leaves on you. A must read if you are eager to learn about how police and judiciary works and the plight of North Indian Hospitals.
October 28, 2023
Thank you to Dr. Khan for the gift of your vulnerability so that none who read can ever again say "I didn't know".
Too many still have not learned to put truth and honesty first. If anyone is telling you to hide or be silent about the truth... you must consider why.
Dr. Khan has shown how an ordinary citizen can also be a modern day activist.
This is how the freedoms some/many enjoy today were hard won in the past... Some things have not changed.
Too many still have not learned to put truth and honesty first. If anyone is telling you to hide or be silent about the truth... you must consider why.
Dr. Khan has shown how an ordinary citizen can also be a modern day activist.
This is how the freedoms some/many enjoy today were hard won in the past... Some things have not changed.
October 1, 2023
Where to start and Where to End. The Pathetic state of affairs in the Indian Medical and Judicial system has an unapologetic, unbiased and unaltered documentation. This book is a stark reminder that whatever party you are inclined to the welfare of the people takes backstage and caste and cash politics is the only given.
June 2, 2023
A detailed account of a good hearted doctor who went beyond his powers to save his patients and landed in trouble by embarrassing the Chief Minister in the process. This is a detailed account of how he was hunted and how he fought back.
November 9, 2024
I read in Marathi Language.
Thriller Tragedy was 🙌🏻
Every Govt. MO must read a once!
Thriller Tragedy was 🙌🏻
Every Govt. MO must read a once!
August 1, 2025
a chilling memoir, very well-written
provides an invaluable insight into the scapegoat culture prevalent in india
provides an invaluable insight into the scapegoat culture prevalent in india
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews