Ahmedabad’s SVP Hospital orders probe after woman alleges medical negligence in her mom’s death

Ahmedabad’s state-of-the-art Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital has come under scrutiny after a viral video posted by a woman alleges medical negligence and unethical practices during treatment, resulting in her mother’s death. 

In the video, Kshitisha Soni alleged that her mother Giraben Soni died during treatment on Wednesday night following unnecessary procedures. She accused the doctors at SVP Hospital of subjecting patients to ‘experiments’ under the pretence of the government’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana health insurance scheme.

Meanwhile, the hospital, built at a cost of about ₹800 crore by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), has ordered an internal inquiry following the allegations.

As per the video, Giraben Soni was admitted to SVP on February 21 after suffering from asthma and diabetes. After spending four days in the general ward, doctors allegedly advised a bronchoscopy procedure to remove phlegm from her lungs.

During the procedure, the patient reportedly suffered an asthma attack and her condition deteriorated rapidly, after which she was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Soni further alleged that doctors asked family members to sign fresh documents every day during the course of treatment. She claimed the documents contained varying information regarding the functioning of her mother’s organs, including claims that her heart was functioning at 50% or that there was damage to her liver or kidneys.

She also alleged that her mother’s condition worsened during treatment when the oxygen mask was pressed tightly against her face, which caused severe bruising around the eyes and bleeding in the veins. 

She also claimed that repeated attempts to access veins for injections resulted in punctures across the body, eventually requiring doctors to create an access point in the neck.

She further alleged that senior doctors were not giving adequate time to the patient and suggested that the family felt pressured because the treatment was being carried out under the Ayushman health card scheme.

In the video, the family appealed to the public not to seek treatment at the hospital, sparking concern and debate over the quality of healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s superintendent has ordered a detailed probe into the allegations and said strict action would be taken if any wrongdoing is established.