Venu's death: Patients not treated with compassion, reform needed at Medical College Hospital; initial assessment says treatment was not delayed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Directorate of Medical Education has observed that some staff members at the Medical College hospital often fail to treat patients with compassion. This creates a negative impression about the hospital among patients and their bystanders. The report says staff must be more mindful of their behaviour. These findings came from a preliminary inquiry into the death of Venu, a native of Panmana in Kollam, who died after allegedly not receiving treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, initial findings indicate that the allegation—that Venu, who came with chest pain, was denied treatment—may not be true. After the patient was shifted from casualty to the ward, he was given heparin, a drug used to prevent blood clotting in heart patients. Necessary tests were also done. Doctors said Venu reached the hospital 24 hours after the chest pain began, and the medical team followed all required procedures under such circumstances.

Cardiology department head Dr Mathew Iype handed over details of the medicines given to the patient. The DME, Viswanathan, will soon submit the report to the Health Minister. The report is also expected to point out that the hospital must correct the situation that led Venu to say, before his death, that “those in uniform don’t show even the care given to a dog.”

Heart attack has 10–20% mortality risk

Cardiology head Dr Mathew Iype said that, regardless of the treatment given, heart attack cases have a 10–20% chance of death. “All patients are the same to us,” he said. Venu reached the hospital on the first day of this month. A cardiologist attended to him in casualty and confirmed a heart attack. Since the patient arrived 24 hours after the onset of pain, primary angioplasty could not be done. Other required medications were given. On Wednesday evening, he developed heart failure. “We provided the best possible treatment. There was no lapse,” he added.

Complaint to the Chief Minister Public activist Adv. Kulathoor Jaisingh has submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister, seeking an inquiry into the allegations raised in Venu’s voice message before his death. The complaint has also been forwarded to the DGP and the Health Department.