The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy: A Doctor's Memoir of a Deadly Medical Crisis

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.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.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.While the book details all the facts which were in Dr Khan’s capacity to assimilate regarding this particular tragedy at 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 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.

It was really overwhelming especially When I read the Chapter The Turning Tide, I felt like myself released from the prison. The pain Dr kafeel & his family endured is inexplicable. But Allah (swt) neither forget never wastes an iota of effort of his slaves. Truly Allah is ever kind & merciful to his slaves. Being an Author, while reading I have felt a live experience of his struggles. Such a Must read Book. May Almighty Allah swt Bless him & his family.

Language is simple and writing style keeps reader engaged. One can easily complete it in couple of hours.Author was one of the accused in medical tragedy of 2017. It's first hand account from his side from the spot .Why to read it?• to know about status of public healthcare facilities in general in India.• how state machinery or bureaucracy develop a narrative to escape responsibility and accountability• how citizens can be easily influenced by unaccountable sensation loving news media.Thank you for your time

While it holds up a mirror to our hugely inequitable society, it also reminds us that even one good man can make a difference. The strength and resilience of Dr Kafeel Khan as he refuses to bow down to the powers to be and fights for the truth is truly inspiring.

Fantastic book. A must read. Couldn’t take my eyes off the book. Finished in 3 hours. Engrossing and heart wrenching stories of a Dr who stood true to his duty in face of a hostile environment, government and ppl hell bent on proving that he was the culprit

A wonderful and detailed narration of a great tragedy in the BRD hospital in Gorakhpur. Brings out the true picture of the helplessness of the poor masses of India and the outstanding services rendered by the junior doctors and health workers in a grave situation for which they had no hand. It is touching and real. A book very well written, well edited. A must read for all. An eye opener.I wish the presentation of the book from the publisher's end could have been better.

Though a nonfiction yet the book is no less than a literary piece. It kept me glued to the story like a tragic English novel,like Wuthering Heights except some descriptive events. The truth about present political ruling class where vendetta is the rule & merit a forgotten thing of past.Political masters in other states as well can't hold moral high ground but this one is an exception.The events of the book are so lively & intimate that one doesn't want to leave the book to b completed asap.How brute the personal vendetta could b can b visualised from the treatment of Kashif when every effory was done to see him dead b,coz the six bullets couldn't kill him. Woeful story.Dr. Kafeel is an excellent writer who has full command on language the way he has full command on his profession.My suggestion would b that Dr. Kafeel should continue writing on other social topics & fiction as well. I,m sure he can prove a better novelist. He has bn successful in recreating the events in an absorbing way.He should engross himself in the service of the society through his noble medical profession & other social deeds.The book is a prised gift for the readers. Everyone including hate mongers should read this beautiful book. Full marks to Dr. Kafeel for such a beautiful book & to the publisher for publishing this master piece.Came to know about the book through The Wire where Arifa interviewed Dr. Kahan about this book & placed the order on Amazon instantly @ Rs 385. Wrote on my fb.wall .....a book I thought must be worth reading, while introducing the book to my friends.Keep it up & good luck Dr. Kafeel Khan & family.

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions” and in this case timely and noble action as well. My heart breaks for Dr. Khan. I wish him and his family much strength.

Dr Khan I admire your tenacity sacrifices and honesty the BEST fighting corruption and insolent and ignorant politicians. Keep up the good work.You should be better offwith international charity organizations.