Faridkot: Former Police Personnel Dies Due to Ventilator Shortage at Medical College
-VC Orders High-Level Inquiry Within 48 Hours…
Faridkot (Alexander D’Souza): Extremely distressing news has emerged from the local Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, where a patient battling a severe liver ailment passed away during treatment. While this incident has left the family in deep shock, the hospital administration, recognizing the gravity of the matter, has also taken immediate corrective measures.
What is the Full Story?
The deceased’s relative, Kashmir Singh, stated that their kin-who had retired from the police department just six months ago-was undergoing treatment at the hospital for a chronic liver disease. Yesterday, his condition deteriorated, and he was brought to the Emergency Department. The family alleges that he did not receive a ventilator in time; consequently, as a precautionary measure, doctors handed them an ‘Ambu-bag’ (a manual resuscitation device) to administer artificial respiration. The family contends that had modern machinery been available, his life might perhaps have been saved.
The Hospital Administration’s Stance and Prompt Action:
Upon receiving news of the incident, Dr. Rajiv Sood, Vice-Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, expressed his deep condolences. He clarified that the doctors had made every possible technical effort to save the patient’s life.
Mechanical Failure: According to Dr. Sood, the ventilator attached to the bed where the patient was admitted suddenly suffered a technical malfunction. In this emergency situation, to prevent the patient from suffering oxygen deprivation, the doctors immediately resorted to using an ‘Ambu-bag.’
Expansion of Facilities: The VC informed that the Emergency Department previously housed only two ventilators, a number that had recently been increased to five. Following this incident, two additional ventilators have been immediately placed on standby to ensure that such a situation does not arise in the future. Formation of Inquiry Committee:
The Vice-Chancellor stated that, following consultations with Medical Superintendent Dr. Neetu Kukkar, a special inquiry team has been constituted. This team will submit its report within 48 hours to clarify why the machinery malfunctioned and to determine the role of the staff members who were on duty.
“We share in the family’s grief. The institution’s objective is to save every life. If negligence is found at any level in this matter, appropriate action will be taken,” said Dr. Rajiv Sood, Vice-Chancellor.
News: 28-4
Photo Caption: The main entrance of the Emergency Department at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College.
