The recent incidents in Chennai involving medical procedures resulting in tragic outcomes have raised concerns about patient safety and the quality of healthcare services provided by private hospitals in the region. In one case, a 26-year-old man, Hemachandran from Puducherry, tragically passed away during a weight-loss surgery at a private hospital in Chennai. This incident prompted the Tamil Nadu government to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Times of India said that Hemachandran, who weighed 150 kg, had bariatric and metabolic surgery at a hospital in Pammal. Tuesday, the surgery started at 9:30 am, but at approximately 10:15 am, it was stopped due to the patient’s poor heart rate. He was consequently sent for critical care very quickly to another Chrompet hospital. Later that night, Hemachandran passed away due to complications, even though his condition had stabilized.
It’s still unclear exactly what happened before Hemachandran passed away; more information and test results from the hospital where the surgery was performed are still awaited. Subramanian, the Tamil Nadu Health Minister, personally contacted Hemachandran’s parents to offer his condolences and reassured them that their son’s tragic death will be thoroughly investigated. The medical team performing the procedure did not appear to have acted negligently, according to preliminary investigations conducted by the state administration of medical services.
The fact that Hemachandran’s family declined to give permission for a post-mortem examination is one noteworthy detail that the stories emphasize. At this writing, the family has not lodged any formal complaints about the circumstances of his death with the state medical council. However, the government’s choice to launch an inquiry is a reflection of the seriousness of the situation as well as the demand for responsibility and openness in the provision of healthcare.
SOURCE:
THE ECONOMIC TIMES
