Recurring treatment lapses

The health and medical sector is undergoing rapid changes. Technological advances in diagnosis and treatment methods are the main reasons for the transformation seen in healthcare. However, no matter how much technology changes the field, for patients and their families facing a medical emergency, the most important issue is getting immediate attention at hospitals and receiving proper care from doctors and hospital staff. Only after that do equipment and technology come into play. Media reports show that complaints are being raised repeatedly about patients not receiving timely emergency care at government hospitals.

Unfortunately, when allegations of medical negligence against hospitals or doctors turn into controversies, the investigations announced by the health department rarely reach the real people responsible. Even when inquiries are conducted, investigation reports seldom point to fault on the part of hospital staff or doctors. The latest victim of alleged negligence by government hospital staff is P Bismir, a 37-year-old native of Njarathala, Kollamkonam, Malayinkeezhu, in Thiruvananthapuram. Bismir reportedly died after struggling for life due to alleged indifference by hospital staff. He was brought to Vilappilsala hospital around 1.30 am on January 19 with severe breathing difficulty. His wife, Jasmin, was with him. According to the family, even the main gate of the hospital was opened only after repeatedly ringing the calling bell.

Although nebulisation was given to Bismir as requested by Jasmin, the family alleges that instead of providing proper emergency first aid, hospital staff referred him to the Medical College Hospital. Bismir died inside the ambulance while being taken there. It is believed that the delay in opening the grill gate at the main entrance led to delayed treatment and ultimately his death. Hospital authorities have explained that the gate is locked at night for security reasons. However, patients brought to hospitals at night are usually those in need of emergency care. If gates are locked and staff remain inside without adequate security personnel outside, patients and their relatives are left helpless. Following the incident, political parties have been holding protests and demonstrations in front of the hospital for several days.

The post-mortem report will determine whether a delay in treatment caused Bismir’s death, and only after that will the final investigation report be prepared. However, even before these conclusions were reached, the Health Minister made a statement in the Assembly defending the hospital staff, which is unfortunate. It is natural that Bismir’s family views the minister’s claim- that there was no basis to the allegation of denial of treatment- even before the cause of death is confirmed, with suspicion. Moreover, health department officials have not even heard the version of the family members as part of the investigation. Merely checking CCTV footage to note timings and recording the duty doctor’s statement cannot be called a fair investigation. Instead of carefully examining what actually happened, identifying those responsible, and taking action, rushing to conclusions will only lead to more allegations and doubts. In such situations, it is not stubbornness, but wisdom, that should guide health department authorities.