Mumbai: Patient dies due to medical negligence, hospital paints it as 'human error'

Mumbai, Aug 13: In yet another case of medical negligence, a patient lost his life due to the irresponsible behaviour of the hospital while the authorities is trying to absolve themselves from the responsibility by terming it as a case of 'human error'.

As per a report published in TOI, 65-year-old Waman Zare, who was admitted at Sion Hospital to drain accumulated fluid from his lungs, died on the operation table after the doctor fled from the spot following a 'panic attack'.

According to the news daily, the family of deceased has alleged that the procedure was carried out in haste, without their consent or supervision of a senior doctor.

Moreover, an informal internal investigation has revealed that the doctor had punctured the left lung instead of the affected right, sending the patient into a cardiac shock.

Authorities at Sion Hospital have confirmed the incident, but no inquiry has been ordered yet.

Acting dean Dr ND Moulick termed it as a case of "human error" and not something attributable to stress or work pressure.

According to Zare's family members, the fluid draining process was carried out by an 'inexperienced' resident doctor, who didn't even studied the case properly.

"There were no seniors around. It was visible that something was wrong. My father immediately started complaining of breathing difficulty. He was shifted to his bed soon after and put on oxygen support. He died within 15 minutes," Zare's son Rahul was quoted as saying.

He added that the cause of death was not explained to them. The death certificate issued to them says Zare died of "cardiac shock".

As per report, the doctor performing the draining fled from the ward following a panic attack and a woman resident doctor came to take his place. The doctor, who had been suffering anxiety attacks, had not informed his department about his health condition. He is currently taking treatment and is on leave.

OneIndia News