Patient’s death at Paras Hospital evokes protest

Srinagar, July 18: Family of a man who died while undergoing treatment at Paras Hospital Srinagar alleged he died due to alleged negligence of hospital authorities.

Following the death of Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh of Dalgate, his family, relatives and locals blocked road outside the hospital and staged protest.

“A few days back, our patient suffered a heart attack and was rushed from another hospital. There the doctors said that he had to undergo surgery, and later, we took him to Paras Hospital to ensure timely treatment. The doctors there said that there is a 98 percent chance of success in the surgery and he will be alright. After the surgery, they said there were complications, and we were asked that he undergo a procedure for which we paid, but still, our brother was not saved,” said one of the protesting family members.

‘We sold our gold ornaments to pay lakhs of rupees to save our family member, but all was in vain. Doctors started by saying he will be alright. Then they said he is in critical condition, and later we received the news of his death. We want justice, and all those responsible should be held accountable,” said another family member.

The family blocked the roads, demanding that higher officials intervene and address the issue, which they called negligence from the hospital.

Meanwhile, the hospital issued a statement presenting their take on the issue. In the official statement they said “We regret to inform you that Gulzar Ahmed Sheikh aged 46 years, who was brought to Paras Hospital, Srinagar on July 16 from another hospital in a critical condition passed away today due to cardiac arrest,”

They said that after clinical evaluations, the patient was taken for the bypass surgery and his family was counselled about the critical nature of the procedure and the high-risk associated with the surgery and were kept informed consistently during this time.

“Despite the best efforts of our medical team, Mr Gulzar Ahmed's condition deteriorated as he was a high-risk patient and was critical throughout. He succumbed to cardiac arrest during the family meeting with the hospital authorities,” the statement added.

The hospital while expressing condolences to the family said that hospital's authorities, including doctors and administrative staff, are constantly communicating with the family, providing support and assistance. They said every effort was made by their team of senior doctors and surgeons to save the patient.

Meanwhile, the Chief medical officer Srinagar has issued an order to enquire about the death of the patient in the Paras hospital.

"Subsequent to the death of a patient in the cardiology department in PARAS hospital Sonwar, it is requested that one cardiologist may kindly be deputed tomorrow at 10:00 AM. to facilitate the detailed enquiry regarding death of the patient" reads the order.