NRI dies at airport due to ‘medical negligence’

Aarti Trupathi, a co-traveller, alleges that despite informing the airport authorities, no emergency service arrived for 20 mins, reports Soubhik Mitra.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2008, 03:03:44 IST

Hindustan Times | By Soubhik Mitra, Mumbai

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Canada resident Jagjivan Girdharilal had come to Mumbai for his wife’s treatment. But minutes after stepping out of the Malaysian Airlines flight MH-194 on Wednesday night, he died, reportedly of medical negligence. The 69-year-old fell on his face and fainted while collecting luggage around 11 pm.

Aarti Trupathi, a co-traveller, alleged that despite informing the airport management, no emergency service arrived for 20 minutes. “Despite screaming around, medical authorities did not turn up for over 20 minutes,” said 34-year-old Tripathi, who runs a garment business in Mumbai.

She said the airport doctor arrived drunk. “He was reeking and could not even stand properly. We asked airport officials to test the doctor for alcohol but they refused,” she said.

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the private consortia modernising the Mumbai airport, denied the allegations. The spokesperson said the doctor had reached the spot within seven minutes of getting a call.

Girdharilal died before the ambulance could leave the airport.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soubhik Mitra
Soubhik Mitra is an assistant editor with the Hindustan Times. The Mumbai boy has spent over a decade reporting on civic, environmental and political issues. His current stint is the longest where he writes on aviation and travel.Read More

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