While former mayor Kishori Pednekar cites COVID link, hospital says virus not cause of death; urges public not to panic amid protocol testing. Her COVID-19 test report, which came after her death, was positive — but COVID wasn’t the cause of death. She died due to kidney failure caused by the syndrome.
The patient was admitted at KEM hospital on May 14 after complaining of breathlessness. File pic
A 58-year-old woman from Parel lost her life on Sunday evening at KEM hospital. While it wasn't a regular death, some have claimed the cause to be COVID-19.
The patient was admitted on May 14 at midnight after complaining of breathlessness. She was under treatment at ward No. 20 of the hospital. “As per the information that we received, the swabs of the patient did not test positive for any other illnesses. However, the patient tested positive for COVID-19. And thus, it seems that the cause of death is that,” former mayor Kishori Pednekar told the media.
However, hospital authorities have denied the claims and have stated that there is no need to panic and that there are no signs of any another pandemic.
“Since COVID-19 happened, it has become a protocol to test patients with such illnesses for the same. COVID now has become more like a flu and those with breathing problems, cough, or cold of severe level generally test positive for COVID-19. This does not mean that the virus is back or is spreading again. Last week we had 15 patients who tested positive for COVID. The reason of death mentioned on this lady's certificate is also different. So there is no need to panic,” said Dr Mohan Desai, medical superintendent, KEM Hospital.
“Just a few days ago, we lost a 14-year-old patient to nephrotic syndrome. Her COVID-19 test report, which came after her death, was positive — but COVID wasn’t the cause of death. She died due to kidney failure caused by the syndrome. This current case appears similar. The 58-year-old patient did not die of COVID. We are still working to determine the exact cause of death,” said Dr Sandesh Paralkar, acting dean of KEM Hospital.
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