The Medical Negligence Standing Committee (MNSC) has reportedly concluded its investigation into the deaths of 11 COVID-19 positive dialysis patients at Souillac Hospital in 2021.
According to Defi Media, the committee’s report has unveiled alleged medical negligence in two cases, while no evidence of negligence was found in the remaining nine cases. Speaking to the media, the families of the victims have expressed their anger and insist on the publication of the Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) report, a demand that the Ministry of Health has reportedly refused.
Citing the MNSC report, Defi Media reported that two patients died due to medical negligence. These cases have been referred to the Medical Council and Nursing Council for further investigation.
The families of the victims said they are frustrated by the “silence of the authorities” and have called for transparency. They argue that the MNSC’s report does not align with their experiences and believe that there were instances of medical negligence in more than just two cases.
The Ministry of Health asserted that it has received the MNSC report and cannot take further action. The ministry has also refused to release the FFC report, stating that it is for internal use only.
Bose Soonarane of the Renal Patient’s Disease Association has called for a judicial inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The association believes that negligence existed at various levels and question the validity of the MNSC’s findings.
Canabady Ramsamy, whose wife Sarojini Devi Ramsamy passed away at New Souillac Hospital on April 21, 2021, expressed his disagreement with the alleged absence of medical negligence in his wife’s case. “I do not agree that there was no medical negligence in my wife’s death as the supposed MNSC report claims. My wife could not have entered the hospital as COVID-19 negative and turned positive after 15 days. She passed away five days later.”
Another grieving family member, Kevin Hanzary, the son-in-law of Mahadev Jeebun, who also passed away at Souillac Hospital on the same day, demands the release of both the FFC and MNSC reports. He emphasizes his right to access these reports, as he personally participated in the process leading to their compilation.
As the families continue their quest for justice, the lack of transparency and accountability within the healthcare system raises concerns and highlights the need for a thorough investigation.
Source: Defi Media
