11 Dialysis Patients Die in 2021, Report Reveals Serious Shortcomings

In a troubling development, a report by the Fact-Finding Committee (FFC), established by the former government, has shed light on the suspicious deaths of eleven patients undergoing dialysis at New Souillac Hospital in 2021. The FFC, chaired by former judge Deviyanee Beesoondoyal, found significant deficiencies in the care provided to these patients, all of whom had tested positive for COVID-19.

The FFC’s report emphasized a series of recommendations aimed at improving the treatment of dialysis patients.

It highlighted the grievances voiced by the families of those affected, noting that they were informed on March 26, 2021, that their loved ones would be transferred to a quarantine hotel, Tamassa, via a shuttle bus.

However, these patients endured a lengthy wait of nearly an entire day before being taken for transfer, which added to their stress during an already challenging time of separation from their homes and families.

The report raised serious concerns about the conditions of the transportation provided to these patients.

The bus was overcrowded, lacked proper sanitation measures, and did not adhere to social distancing protocols, despite the patients wearing masks.

“Some of these patients were already COVID positive, and the risk of contamination and spread of the virus was very high,” the FFC’s report stated.

Another crucial issue identified in the report was the absence of PCR testing prior to the patients’ transfer.

This oversight complicated the management of the situation, as it became difficult to differentiate between those who were positive and those who were not.

The report also indicated that all patients were in close contact with one another, which increased the risk of further infection.

Many individuals tested positive the day after their transfer, with a total of 40 out of the 89 dialysis patients ultimately confirmed as COVID-19 positive.

Families are now seeking justice following this tragedy. One relative, Shiv, who lost his father during this health crisis, expressed his pain and anger:

“I hope justice is served. Those responsible must be held accountable for the loss of life,” he stated gravely.

Vinaygee Lutchammah, whose husband, Luchoomaya Lutchammah, was among the victims, echoed these sentiments.

“I expect justice to happen. I have not forgotten what transpired. The government did not listen to us; we have suffered so much,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion.

Aziza Unjore Speaks Out: “They Were Treated Like Objects”

Aziza Unjore, widow of Habib Unjore—one of the dialysis patients who died during the controversial handling of the health crisis—has publicly expressed her anger and confusion regarding the findings of the Fact-Finding Committee (FFC).

“I have not yet thoroughly reviewed the report’s contents. I’ve seen some excerpts, but I am dissatisfied with certain aspects. I am left in the dark, filled with doubts,” she stated.

Unjore did not hold back in her criticism of how authorities managed the situation.

“From the very beginning, they should never have transported these patients to the quarantine center at Tamassa. They were taken to their doom. They were treated like objects,” she lamented.

Her husband, Habib Unjore, 73, was among the six dialysis patients who passed away within ten days.

Attempts to contact former Health Minister Dr. Kailesh Jagutpal for a statement were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached.

Recommendations for Improved Patient Care

The FFC report included multiple recommendations aimed at enhancing safety and management within dialysis units, especially in times of health crises.

One key recommendation suggests designating dialysis units as “permanently restricted areas.”

This would entail strict limitations on the number of sick personnel and visitors allowed access to reduce contamination risks.

Additionally, the report called for all staff and patients to wear masks at all times.

Another significant recommendation is for all dialysis unit staff to be fully vaccinated.

“Those who choose not to be vaccinated should be reassigned to other roles. All staff members and patients must receive vaccination,” the report stressed.

The FFC also highlighted the need for treatment centers to be properly equipped.

“At the ENT Hospital in Vacoas, seriously ill patients were unable to undergo dialysis due to a lack of access to a scanner.

One patient even died in an ambulance while returning from New Souillac Hospital,” the report noted.

Moreover, communication between authorities and the families of patients was identified as a critical issue.

Many families expressed frustration over the lack of information, prompting the commission to recommend appointing a communications professional to act as a liaison between authorities and families.

The report further emphasized the need for suitable care for patients with severe comorbidities, stating that these individuals should not be quarantined alone but accompanied by a loved one, following health protocols.

Medical Negligence Standing Committee’s Findings

A report by the Medical Negligence Standing Committee (MNSC) was also submitted to Parliament on Friday, December 20, highlighting the “lack of communication” from authorities, which fueled frustrations among the relatives of the patients.

Many relatives felt compelled to raise their concerns on social media and private radio stations to make their voices heard.

The MNSC report criticized the absence of important documents and records, such as ‘Dialysis Sheets’ and other ‘Monitoring Sheets.’

“In fact, there were no reports or any records substantiating that vital monitoring was carried out at the Tamassa Quarantine Centre for any of the eleven patients under review.

This made the committee’s task significantly more difficult,” the report stated.

The MNSC document further scrutinized the conditions under which the dialysis patients were transported from their homes to the quarantine center.

A notable shortage of staff at the Tamassa center was also reported.

“In the early days, the staff presence was minimal. It was also noted that several nursing officers assigned to the Tamassa Quarantine Centre became infected themselves and required isolation, leading to an even greater staffing shortfall that negatively impacted the standard of medical and nursing care.

It does not appear that those responsible at the public health administration at the Tamassa Quarantine Centre were adequately prepared for the abrupt situation, which hindered their ability to meet the needs of these sick patients,” the report concluded.

Source: Defi Media