75-Year-Old Patient Dies By Suicide In Kasturba Hospital

A 75-year-old patient, Prabhuram, allegedly died by suicide after hanging himself in the toilet of Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai. He was immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and treated but could not be revived.

Prabhuram, a homeless man, was admitted to the hospital on July 24 after complaining of fever. He was brought to the hospital by a man named Zuber Ansari. The hospital officials stated that Prabhuram had been suffering from fever for the previous four to five days.

The hospital conducted blood investigations, which were normal, and his vital parameters were stable. He was receiving appropriate treatment for fever. However, during the course of treatment, another patient in the ward alerted the nursing staff that Prabhuram had collapsed inside the toilet. A nurse and a housekeeping staff member rushed to the spot and found that he had allegedly hanged himself.

The incident was reported to the Agripada Police, and the body was sent to Nair Hospital for post-mortem examination. The hospital administration has denied any negligence on the part of its doctors or nursing staff, citing findings from its preliminary inquiry.

The preliminary inquiry report stated that the patient had been treated strictly in accordance with standard medical protocols. It noted that his investigation reports were normal and that his mental condition appeared stable, leaving no indication that he might attempt suicide. The report further stated that no negligence on the part of the treating doctors or nursing staff had been found.

The hospital clarified that the Medical Officer on duty, Dr Sonali Lokhande, followed due procedure by informing the police and initiating the required legal formalities. The hospital also stated that Dr Avinash Jadhav's duty had ended at 4 pm, before the incident occurred, and therefore he had no direct connection with the case.

The incident highlights the need for hospitals to be vigilant and provide adequate care to patients, especially those who are vulnerable and have no support system. It also raises questions about the mental health support available to patients in hospitals.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of patients dying by suicide in hospitals in Mumbai. This incident is a reminder of the need for hospitals to have robust systems in place to prevent such incidents.

The BMC, which runs Kasturba Hospital, has a responsibility to ensure that patients receive proper care and attention. The hospital administration must take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident is a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by homeless people in Mumbai, who often struggle to access basic healthcare services. It is essential for the authorities to provide adequate support and care to this vulnerable population.

In conclusion, the death of Prabhuram is a tragic incident that highlights the need for hospitals to be vigilant and provide adequate care to patients. It is essential for the authorities to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and provide adequate support and care to vulnerable populations.