'Not even treated like a dog'; autorickshaw driver dies without getting treatment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A man who sent an audio message to his friend complaining that he was not getting timely cardiac treatment at the medical college hospital died just hours later, triggering a fresh controversy in the health sector. The incident, which has caused public anger and political protest, has devastated a poor family. Venu (48), a native of Panmana in Kollam, died on Wednesday night, allegedly due to the negligence of the hospital authorities.

In his voice message, Venu said that staff were not even looking at patients with the same attention they give to dogs. He also said that if he died, the medical college hospital would be responsible. His relatives have filed complaints with the Chief Minister and the Health Minister.

Health Minister Veena George has sought a report from the Director of Medical Education, Dr Viswanathan. However, hospital superintendent Dr Jayachandran said no lapses occurred and that the cardiology department provided proper treatment.

Venu, an auto-rickshaw driver, first experienced chest pain on Friday night. Thinking it was acidity, he ignored it, but when the pain continued, he went to Chavara Primary Health Centre on Saturday morning. From there, he was referred to Kollam District Hospital, where an ECG showed abnormalities. He was then taken to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. His wife Sindhu was with him.

The family alleges that although he was brought quickly by ambulance, no angiogram was done, even after five days. On Wednesday afternoon, Venu sent an audio message to a friend. Around 6:30 p.m., he felt uneasy and was moved to the ICU and put on a ventilator. He died around 8:15 p.m. In the audio message sent to his schoolmate Anwar, he complained that the staff did not respond properly, making him wonder if they needed bribes to act. There are also allegations that doctors failed to explain his condition to him or his wife properly.

Angiogram could not be done
Hospital superintendent Dr Jayachandran said Venu was not fit for an angiogram. His creatinine levels were very high, and until that was controlled, an angiogram was not possible.

He added that the ideal time for an angiogram had passed because 12 hours had already gone by since the onset of pain. The patient had also suffered a stroke earlier. Venu was first admitted to the medicine ward and later moved to the cardiology second ward at 3 p.m. He was given medicines to reduce creatinine. On Wednesday, he developed fluid in the lungs and was put on a ventilator. The superintendent said it was sad to hear such allegations despite providing proper treatment.

“Venu’s voice message should be treated as a dying declaration, and a murder case must be filed against those responsible.”
-V D Satheesan, Opposition Leader