Swine Flu Patient Dies During Airlift from Raipur, Family Alleges Medical Negligence
A swine flu patient, Bharti Devi Khemani, tragically passed away during an airlift from Raipur to Hyderabad. The incident occurred while she was being transferred from NHMMI Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Raipur. Bharti Devi's family claims that inadequate medical arrangements on the air ambulance led to her deteriorating condition and, eventually, her death.
According to reports, Bharti Devi's son, Om Khemani, stated that his mother’s death could have been prevented if proper medical equipment had been available on board. The incident has prompted the MMI hospital to set up a team to investigate the matter.
Family Alleges Mismanagement and Negligence
Following Bharti Devi’s death, a major uproar occurred at NHMMI Narayana Hospital in Raipur, with the family accusing the hospital and doctors of negligence. According to Om Khemani, his mother was admitted to the hospital on September 2 for treatment and was later referred to Hyderabad for advanced care. The family arranged for her transfer through a Red Air Ambulance service, which operates from the hospital premises.
रायपुर से आया यह वीडियो डरावना है। 49 वर्षीय भारती खेमानी को स्वाइन फ्लू के इलाज के लिए एयर एंबुलेंस से हैदराबाद भेजा जा रहा था। उसका वेंटिलेटर तक काम नहीं कर रहा था। अंततः भारती की मौत हो गई। इस बच्चे के सवालों का जवाब कौन देगा? इसपर ध्यान दीजिए @vishnudsai @ChhattisgarhCMO #CG pic.twitter.com/NblDHi9LTF
— Mithilesh Mishra (@Meetkabeer) September 13, 2024
Om Khemani further claimed that after the air ambulance took off from Raipur Airport, the oxygen supply system malfunctioned, causing a rapid decline in his mother’s condition. Despite multiple requests for an oxygen mask, the crew attributed the problem to altitude issues and assured the family that the situation would soon be resolved. However, Bharti Devi's condition worsened, and despite the air ambulance turning back to Raipur, she passed away en route to the hospital.
Lack of Doctor on Board and Financial Concerns
The Khemani family expressed outrage, stating that there was no doctor present on the air ambulance to provide proper medical care. They are demanding action against both NHMMI Narayana Superspeciality Hospital and the Red Air Ambulance service, accusing them of negligence and exploitation. Om Khemani revealed that the family paid ₹6,11,000 for the air ambulance service and around ₹8,00,000 for hospital treatment, yet the hospital did not prioritize their emergency situation.
Hospital's Response
In response to the allegations, Ajit Kumar, the facility director of NHMMI Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, denied any wrongdoing on the hospital’s part. He stated that Bharti Devi had been safely transferred from the hospital, and the oxygen issue occurred later during the flight, which was beyond their control.
The investigation initiated by the hospital will seek to address the family’s concerns and determine the cause of the medical failure during the airlift.
This tragic incident has raised questions about the quality of medical support on air ambulances, particularly during emergency transfers. The Khemani family is seeking justice for the loss of their loved one, and legal action may follow as the case unfolds.
