The Bhutan Medical and Health Council is investigating the death of the fourth COVID patient. The 34-year-old woman from Samtse died last month in an isolation hotel in Thimphu. The ministry said she succumbed to cardiac complications due to underlying kidney disease aggravated by COVID 19 infection. However, the husband said they did not receive help on time.
The Medical Council did not receive any complaints. They are currently acting based on the information in the media. The Council is contacting the patient’s party, relevant officials and professionals who were involved in the delivery of health services in this particular case.
According to the health minister, an independent team led by the health secretary has been formed to conduct an internal investigation.
The opposition party also called on the government to provide a full explanation of the incident.
“I talked to her relatives and as far as I understand, the death is solely caused by delay in medical services. One may say medical negligence because, on the day she was brought from Phuentsholing to Thimphu, she was supposed to undergo dialysis. But it could be done neither in Thimphu nor in Phuentshogling. So, her condition deteriorated suddenly and had an untimely death. Whatever it may be, it is important the government gives the full accountability of her death and most importantly, put measures in place to prevent such mishaps in future,” said Opposition leader, Dorji Wangdi.
The husband said his wife died in the hotel room without any healthcare facilities. There was no heater or enough blankets. He was also not able to contact the health worker. He said he called for an ambulance which never came.
The deceased tested positive in Phuentshogling. She along with her husband came to Thimphu since there is a kidney dialysis facility at the isolation ward here.
Dr Tshokey, a member of the technical advisory group said since she was stable, dialysis was scheduled the next day. He said dialysis patients are not admitted to the hospital unless they have medical conditions like breathing difficulty or shock.
Samten Dolkar
