According to the news reports, the patient had been admitted to the hospital the previous Friday after being referred from the Taluk Hospital in Kollam for emergency cardiac care. In an audio message sent to his friends shortly before his death, he expressed serious concern over the inadequate medical attention he received during his five-day stay. He stated that if anything were to happen to him, the hospital staff should be held responsible.
Also Read:Medical Negligence: Doctor slapped Rs 5 lakh compensation for patient's death during delivery
“No one responds to our questions. The staff in uniform don’t even look at you. Corruption is everywhere,” he alleged in the recording, urging his friends to share his experience with the world if he didn’t survive, reports TNIE.
He also spoke of the financial strain of having a bystander stay with him in the city, saying the mounting costs added to his distress.
However, hospital authorities denied any lapse in treatment. In a statement, officials said the patient had been brought to the hospital after the critical window for angioplasty had already closed. They added that his condition was initially stable but deteriorated suddenly, leading to heart failure despite all possible medical interventions.
The Patient’s family has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Chief Minister, demanding an inquiry into the incident. The patient’s wife stated that her husband was admitted to a general ward even after a doctor at the Kollam District Hospital had referred him for an emergency angiogram. She said they were informed that the procedure would be carried out on Wednesday, but priority was given to patients with prior bookings, resulting in a delay.
She further stated that despite her husband experiencing severe headaches from the day of admission, he was only prescribed a painkiller that was reportedly unavailable at the hospital. Doctors reportedly told the family that the angiogram should ideally be performed on the third day after his heart attack, but it was postponed to the fifth day. The patient's condition worsened during an echocardiogram, leading to breathing difficulties and his transfer to the ICU, where he eventually passed away.
Congress workers organised a protest in front of the medical college hospital on Thursday, demanding action against doctors. They attempted to enter the Superintendent's office but were arrested and removed from the site, reports the Deccan Chronicle.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan condemned the incident, calling it symptomatic of a “crumbling public health system.” Speaking to TNIE, Satheesan said, “He didn’t just die—he was failed by a health department that has been systematically neglected for nearly a decade. The Health Minister and the government must take responsibility for this tragedy.”
He added that the patient’s final words serve as a haunting reminder of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in government hospitals. Even in death, the patient speaks for countless ordinary citizens who endure indifference and despair in government hospitals. His words reflect the pain and helplessness of many who remain unheard, he said.
Kollam MP N. K. Premachandran also demanded that an FIR be registered based on the patient’s audio clip.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.