TRAGIC DEATH AT SHALBY:The hospital confirmed a room and bed for her. But when she reported at the emergency ward around 7pm on Friday, she was denied admission citing ‘there was no relative accompanying her

Maninagar resident, Rupal Thakkar, lost her battle to Covid within eight hours of being admitted to Shalby Hospital in Prahladnagar. Battling uneasiness and severe weakness at home, Rupal inquired for admission at the hospital on Friday and got confirmation, following which she went all by herself to the hospital. Her family was shocked to learn about her death in the wee hours of Saturday and alleged a mismanaged admission process and inadequate infrastructure.
“The hospital confirmed a room and bed for her. But when she reported at the emergency ward around 7pm on Friday, she was denied admission citing ‘there was no relative accompanying her’,” said Dipan Thakkar, Rupal’s brother.

Around 9pm, she was finally on oxygen support through Bipap. “The hospital didn’t have an ICU bed, so we decided to shift her next morning,” Dipan added. Around 3.30am, he learnt from the hospital that Rupal’s oxygen levels had dipped critically. “Despite repeated attempts, we couldn’t find a single ambulance. By 5am, I leanrt that she has a cardiac problem and within 30 minutes, she was no more,” said Dipan.

The family was left devastated but their ordeal didn’t end yet. “On Saturday morning, the hospital asked us to obtain death certificate from Rupal’s physician. After repeated arguments, they asked for an NOC from the police station. Finally we got a certificate around 1pm and initiated process for last rites,” her brother said.
Later, when they went to collect her belongings, the family alleged that Rupal’s ATM card and Rs 5,000 in cash were missing.
Sunil Mehta, general manager of Shalby Hospital, said the patient was critical when she arrived. “She did not have any relative with her that can complete the formalities. The hospital however started treatment,” he said. Talking about the post-demise procedure, Mehta said that the hospital followed the protocol. He added that Thakkar did not have the said ATM or cash on her

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