Gurugram hospital accused of negligence after woman dies due to brain tumour

Bhirmati, a resident of Shahpur village in Rewari district, was admitted to hospital under the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) on August 1. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent an 11-hour surgery on August 11, her family said.

The family of a 52-year-old woman, who died on Sunday at a private hospital in Palam Vihar, allegedly due to brain tumour, has accused the hospital of medical negligence.

The hospital has denied allegation of death due to negligence. (Getty Images/Picture for representation)

Bhirmati, a resident of Shahpur village in Rewari district, was admitted to Columbia Asia hospital under the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) on August 1. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent an 11-hour surgery on August 11, her family said.

“Hospital authorities had told the family it will be a minor surgery, and will last for only an hour,” said Mahabir Joon, her relative. He added that after the surgery, the hospital said the operation was successful, but she remained unconscious for the next three days. “The hospital didn’t discharge her till Sunday,” Mahabir said.

The family has lodged a complaint at the Palam Vihar police station on Sunday, but an FIR is yet to be filed. Vikram Nehra, SHO, Palam Vihar, said, “The deceased’s post-mortem was done today. Further action will be taken after the results are out.”

In a statement, Columbia Asia hospital denied the allegation, stating, “A 52 year old lady had come to Columbia Asia Hospital, Palam Vihar, for a suspected brain tumour on August 1 and after evaluation, which confirmed a brain tumour, was advised surgery. Since she was an ECHS beneficiary, she wanted to get pre-operative authorisation and returned for surgery only on August 8. The surgery was done on August 11, after appropriate preoperative preparation for a major surgery. The serious nature of the condition and risks of such a major surgical undertaking were explained in detail to the family. Post-operatively, she developed an expected complication and despite the best efforts, patient continued to deteriorate and expired at 3.32 pm on August 19. Columbia Asia offers the deepest condolences to the family.”