Alchemist fails to adhere to NABH standards: Probe

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, September 10

An inquiry by a five-member committee of doctors, headed by the CMO, Panchkula, has found “Alchemist Hospital, here, was negligent in providing proper care to patients and it failed to adhere to the prescribed standards laid by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)”.

In May 2016 advocate Neeraj Chaudhary, a resident of Panchkula, alleged medical negligence leading to the death of his mother admitted to Alchemist Hospital. Afterwards, the Director General Health Services (DGHS), Haryana, had ordered a detailed investigation into the affairs of the hospital.

In his complaint, Chaudhary stated that his mother, Purshotma Chaudhary (76), was admitted to the hospital on December 10, 2015, after she complained of shortness of breath and weakness. After examination at hospital emergency ward and providing requisite medical care, the doctor on duty advised the patient to be kept in MICU for a day.

However, the complainant alleged that his mother’s condition began to deteriorate the next day after she was shifted to the ICU and she suffered hospital-acquired infections, including klebseilla pneumonia. The patient’s family paid Rs 22 lakh to the hospital.

“Staff nurses noticed non-intact skin on December 15, 2015, at 10 am and dressing is also mentioned but there is no record of information given to relatives on the same date. As per record, doctor in the ICU observed bed sores on December 19 but there is no mention that relatives were informed on that day. As per record, Dr Vikas Bhadoo mentioned pressure sore on December 22 and also consulted Dr Bakshi (plastic surgeon). Consultation of Dr Bakshi was done later where he mentioned bed sore is in Stage 3. He advised two hourly change of position which was not followed strictly as per record. As per record, patient’s attendant was informed on Decemebr 23 about the bed sore,” the DGHS Committee said.