AU students protest after B.Ed student’s death linked to lack of timely oxygen support
The incident took place on September 25, when Manikanta, a resident of Satavahana hostel, suddenly fell critically ill and collapsed in his room.
By - Newsmeter Network
Visakhapatnam: Hundreds of students of Andhra University staged protests following the death of Manikanta, a second-year B.Ed student, allegedly due to lack of timely medical treatment.
University ambulance lacked basic oxygen support
The incident took place on September 25, when Manikanta, a resident of Satavahana hostel, suddenly fell critically ill and collapsed in his room. Students immediately called for the university ambulance, but found it unequipped with essential medical support, including oxygen.
As his friends desperately searched for oxygen in the varsity hospital dispensary and decided to take him to KGH, he succumbed before reaching King George Hospital (KGH).
Doctors confirm that timely oxygen support could have saved Manikanta
Doctors at KGH later confirmed that his life could have been saved if oxygen had been administered in time.
In the wake of this tragedy, students of Andhra University declared a bandh, suspending academic activities to demand accountability for Manikantha’s death. They demanded that Vice Chancellor Prof. GP Rajasekhar resign immediately.
Students demand VC’s resignation
“This incident occurred entirely due to the negligence of the University administration. Neither the ambulance nor the campus hospital had oxygen. We demand justice for the deceased and adequate medical facilities to prevent such tragedies,” the Progressive Democratic Students Organisation (PDSO) said in a statement.
Their demands include immediate strengthening of the University Hospital, provision of medicines and improvement of medical infrastructure. They also alleged that despite repeated requests in the past, the Vice Chancellor had ignored appeals to upgrade health facilities.
VC promises better health facilities
VC Rajasekhar expressed grief over the death and announced urgent steps to upgrade medical support at the AU Health Centre.
He said more doctors would be recruited and a committee was formed to monitor future improvements. Walk-in interviews are also being planned to appoint doctors, pharmacists, and nurses.
At the Assembly sessions on Friday, Minister Nara Lokesh expressed concern over the incident.
“Do not obstruct with protests. The government is ready to hear students and correct mistakes if needed. There is no scope for politically motivated agitations,” he stated.
