NEIGRIHMS imbroglio: HC seeks report on patient’s death, to find out who has been negligent

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 13, 2019

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the cardiology department of NEIGRIHMS to file an affidavit on the reason that led to the recent passing away of a 55-year-old patient.

It has also directed the medical superintendent of the institute to ensure supply of requisite items to the cardiology department without fail in view that 19 patients are waiting for surgery.

The order was passed by the division bench comprising of the Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice HS Thangkhiew on Monday while hearing a PIL against North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).

“The head of cardiology department shall file an affidavit wherein in a chronological manner it must be stated as to how the patient was taken care of from 05-05-2019 when she was admitted in the cardiology department right up to her death with supporting proof,” it said.

The bench also expressed that it is quite unfortunate that in the process of working out a lasting solution to the problem and to meet urgent surgeries, nothing positive has been done.

“…as a result a 55-year-old lady lost her life who had developed complicacies for want of immediate surgical intervention, that too according to the cardiology department for lack of surgical items,” it said adding “…we shall have to see as to who has been negligent, both sides blame each other.”

The bench further directed the HoD cardiology Dr Animesh Mishra to file another affidavit as to whether the decisions taken in the high level meeting headed by the additional chief secretary on May 9, were followed in letter and spirit.

Similarly, the Amrit pharmacy, which has been arrayed as a party respondent, was also asked to file an affidavit on whether it has followed the decisions taken in the said meeting.

The NEIGRIHMS administration is also directed to file its response on or before May 16.

Dr Mishra, HoD cardiology has informed the Court that at present 19 patients are waiting for surgery and requisite items are to be made available from today so that the cardiology department will be able to perform surgeries.

On this, the bench while asking the HoD to send the requisition whatever needed to the medical superintendent today said, “Thereafter medical superintendent shall ensure supply of those articles without fail.”

Earlier, the bench while taking serious note on the postponement of surgeries in the cardiology department has directed the Director and HoD cardiology to work out a working formula so that patient care will not suffer in its order passed on May 8.