After two deaths, hospital shifts eight patients to SevenHills in Andheri; bodies cremated in absence of kin; BMC insists there’s no need to panic
The two COVID-positive deaths have sparked concern at KEM Hospital. Representation pic/iStock
After two patients at KEM Hospital died in what were initially suspected to be COVID-related deaths, the hospital shifted eight COVID-positive patients to SevenHills Hospital in Andheri late Sunday night. The move came after a 59-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl, who died on Saturday and last week, respectively, tested positive for the virus despite both having serious comorbidities.
While 59-year-old Vaijayanti Varik’s death was officially attributed to sepsis due to cancer, the minor reportedly died of kidney failure. “Both patients had terminal illnesses. Although they tested positive for COVID-19, the virus did not play a role in their deterioration,” said Dr Sandesh Paralkar, acting dean of KEM Hospital.'
Patients shifted as precaution
Despite the deceased patients' families and the medical staff not being tested for COVID-19, the hospital moved eight other COVID-positive patients to SevenHills Hospital. “Seven Hills was a major COVID-19 facility during the pandemic. Since these patients didn’t test positive for any illness besides COVID, we shifted them there,” said Dr Paralkar.
Dr Krishnakumar G Pimpale, vice-president, medical, SevenHills Hospital, told mid-day, “All eight patients are in the ICU under close observation. We are not authorised to provide further information. They have not tested positive for any other health issues so far.”
Cremated without family
A relative of Varik recounted their ordeal: “She had surgery for mouth cancer on February 5. A few days ago, her son brought her to Mumbai for a change of environment. She was fine until Tuesday night when she had trouble breathing. We rushed her to KEM, where she was put on a ventilator. She started responding the next day, but her health suddenly worsened on Saturday night, and she passed away.” He added, “Just as her son went to sign the final paperwork to claim the body, hospital staff told us she had tested positive for COVID-19 and her cremation would be done as per COVID protocol. No family member would be allowed at the site. Her husband is in Kolhapur — we wanted to take the body there so he could see her one last time. But the hospital cremated her without letting us even see her. They also made us sign a form that had ‘COVID-19’ written on it.”
Similarly, the 14-year-old girl's body was also cremated under COVID-19 protocols, without being handed over to her family. The two COVID-positive deaths have sparked concern. Shivadi MLA Ajay Chaudhary said, “If COVID-19 wasn’t the cause of death, then why weren’t the bodies given to families? Why were they cremated under COVID protocol? We’re not trying to spread fear, but if cases are re-emerging, why hide it? We’ve already learned that prevention is better than a cure.”
In a statement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that COVID cases had been reported since January, with numbers increasing in May. “COVID-19 is now considered endemic and a persistent public health concern. While cases are sporadic and in small numbers, an uptick has been observed recently in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and other parts of East Asia,” the statement said.
The municipal corporation clarified that the two COVID-positive deaths at KEM Hospital were due to severe comorbidities and not the virus itself. The deceased were not Mumbai residents.
Meanwhile, some private hospitals have also reported a rise in COVID-19 cases.
“There’s no alarming situation like a pandemic,” Dr Rahul Pandit, chair, critical care, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital told this newspaper.
“This is a seasonal uptick. We’ve seen OPD [outpatient department] cases with fever and cough, some tested positive, but all are recovering in home isolation within days.”
Common COVID-19 symptoms
Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, headache, cold, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell. Difficulty in breathing is a serious sign and requires immediate medical attention.
Health facilities for those infected
SevenHills Hospital has 20 MICU beds, 20 beds for children and pregnant women, and 60 general beds. Kasturba Hospital has two ICU beds and a 10-bed ward. Capacity will be increased if required. Citizens with symptoms are advised to consult a BMC centre or doctor immediately. Self-medication is not advised.
Precautions
. Wear a mask in public if symptomatic
. Maintain physical distancing
. Wash hands frequently
. Eat healthy and rest well
Actress tests positive for virus
’90s actress Shilpa Shirodkar shared on social media: “Hello people! I’ve tested positive for COVID. Stay safe and wear your masks!”
In numbers
257
Active COVID cases in the country
Discharged
4,45,11,240
98.81%
Deaths
5,33,666
1.18%
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
