Health Officials Under Scrutiny as Covid-19 Dialysis Deaths Inquiry Intensifies

The judicial investigation into the deaths of dialysis patients in Souillac between March and April 2021 — during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis — is gaining momentum. Legal representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), including Mᵉ Jean-Michel Ah Sen and Mᵉ Khaveesh Seenauth, are expected back in the Curepipe court as hearings continue.

Since the last court session, the inquiry has taken a more serious turn. Testimonies from grieving families have given way to officials from the Ministry of Health, who are now being called to the witness stand.

However, one final family member is expected to testify today before health officials return to the spotlight.

At the most recent hearing, Senior Record Officer and Acting Director of Health Services, Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, gave crucial testimony.

Covid19 – Serious Oversights

Under questioning from Mᵉ Ah Sen, Dr. Khodabocus admitted a serious oversight: the failure to properly recognise dialysis patients as a vulnerable group during the pandemic.

“They should have received special attention,” he said — a statement that struck a chord with families still searching for answers.

Presided over by Magistrate Shavina Jugnauth, the inquiry aims to uncover the full truth behind decisions made at the time.

Dialysis patients were transferred to a quarantine facility at Tamassa Hotel before being treated at Souillac Hospital.

The court is now examining the conditions of care, the medical protocols used, and who should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Renal Disease Patients’ Association has raised objections to the reported appointment of Dr. Soobaraj Sok Appadu as the new head of Souillac Hospital.

The association’s secretary, Bose Soonarane, has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health, calling the move inappropriate.

“How can someone who may be called to testify in the ongoing inquiry be put in a position where they could potentially access official documents?” asked Soonarane.

The Ministry of Health has attempted to downplay concerns. A senior official said the appointment was part of routine personnel transfers.

“These decisions are made every year as part of standard administrative procedures. We do get requests from the public and community groups to keep certain doctors or nurses in place, but final decisions lie with the human resources department, which considers both skills and operational needs.”

For now, families are waiting anxiously for answers — and for justice.

Source: l’Express