Man's death raises doubts about hospital services

 
Shivkumar was reportedly denied treatment by five private hospitals before he was eventually taken in by the Suguna Hospital. But it was too late.

“Shivkumar was a transfer case from Chitradurga to Davangere, and finally landed in the City for treatment. The relatives claimed that they had been to four or five big hospitals in the City before coming to our doorsteps,” said Dr S Ranganath, CEO, Suguna Hospital.

Apparently, it was the “fear factor” that was at work at the private hospitals. He later died of Acute Respiratory Disorder Syndrome. “We had an inclination that the patient might not survive when we admitted him. But still as an ethical medical facility we had to do our best,” said Dr Ranganath.

Currently, the H1N1 virus which has sent ripples through the city has brought to the forefront the issue of social responsibility by private hospitals. With as many as 35 private hospitals coming forward to help the city in distress, all eyes are on to see whether they can deliver. “Some hospitals in that list who have come forward to volunteer do not even have proper equipment set up to treat patients and a virus of such magnanimity,” said a medical practioner from the city.