In Ahmedabad, two people tragically lost their lives and five others remain on ventilator support following angioplasty procedures at Khyati Multi Specialty Hospital. The situation escalated when relatives of the patients protested, claiming the procedures were conducted without proper consent. Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rishikesh Patel, has since ordered a full investigation to address these allegations.
They were brought for examination and angioplasty was performed without informing us
A Relative
The two deceased individuals, identified as Senma Nagarbhai and Mahesh Barot, had no known history of heart disease, nor any other significant health conditions. According to the relatives, both were brought to the hospital for basic medical examinations, and the angioplasty procedures were done without prior family notification or consent. "They were brought for examination and angioplasty was performed without informing us," expressed a distraught relative, highlighting a severe breach of trust.
Khyati Hospital had reportedly organized a free health checkup camp in Borisna, a village in Kadi taluka. At the camp, nearly 80-90 people were screened, with 19 of them subsequently brought to the hospital for treatment. Out of these, 12 underwent angioplasties, resulting in two fatalities. The incident has cast a shadow over the free health checkup initiative, sparking controversy and criticism from local communities and healthcare authorities alike.
Both of the deceased were registered under Ayushman Bharat’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), a government health scheme that allows families to access free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year. Villagers allege the hospital exploited the government scheme, performing angioplasties without consent to claim reimbursement under PMJAY, billing a total of Rs 1.28 lakh in the process. This has intensified scrutiny on both the hospital and the state health system’s oversight.
When news of the deaths reached their families, a large group of villagers, including the local sarpanch (village head), gathered at the hospital. Their anger grew as they reported that hospital authorities neither addressed their concerns nor offered explanations. Frustration eventually led to vandalism within the hospital premises as distressed relatives sought answers.
As per norm, no operation can be done without family's consent. Action will be taken after speaking to the hospital management
Bhavin Solanki, AMC Health Officer
Following the incident, Health Minister Rishikesh Patel ordered an official inquiry, with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Health Officer Bhavin Solanki visiting Khyati Hospital to assess the situation. “As per norm, no operation can be done without family's consent. Action will be taken after speaking to the hospital management," Solanki stated, emphasizing the importance of informed consent in healthcare procedures. Despite attempts to contact the hospital’s management, Solanki indicated that his team has yet to speak directly with them, as the hospital administration remains unresponsive.
Questions have been raised about the ethical practices of hospitals under schemes like PMJAY, where some healthcare providers may be tempted to prioritize profit over patient well-being. The state health department and AMC have assured the public that all relevant complaints will be reviewed, and the circumstances surrounding these tragic outcomes will be fully investigated.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
