Venu could have been saved; expert team report pointing out serious lapses in multiple government hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An investigation report has found serious lapses in various hospitals and staff under the Health Department. The investigation report of the expert team appointed by the DME is on the incident where Venu, a native of Chavara, died without receiving treatment. The main finding of the report is that Venu's life could have been saved if he had been given emergency treatment at the Kollam District Hospital.

The findings point out that serious errors were made since the CHC to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Despite being in a critical condition, Venu was not admitted to the ICU of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The report points out that he was then shifted to the medical ward, but there was a delay in providing treatment there as well.

The attendants or other staff were not even ready to move the patient who arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College indoors. The need for the staff to treat the patients with respect has also been specifically mentioned in the investigation team report.

However, Dr. Mathew Iype, head of the cardiology department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, had earlier responded that all patients were the same to them and that they were given the necessary care. "There was no lapse in treating Venu, who died. Only treatment according to protocol was given. Primary angioplasty could not be given since it was already late. Other medicines were given. He developed heart failure in the evening. No matter what treatment is given for a heart attack, there is a 10 to 20 percent chance of death. He was young. Venu was given all the necessary treatment. We also tell the patients about their condition," the doctor said at the time.

However, Venu's family had come forward with serious allegations against the hospital. The investigation was announced after Venu sent a voice message to his friend, saying that the doctors at the hospital were not even checking his condition.