Woman’s Arm Amputated During Heart Check-up, Relatives Blame Doctors for Negligence
CHENNAI – A woman from Old Vannarappet, Chennai, had her right arm amputated during a heart check-up at a nearby private hospital. Relatives of the patient, Jyoti, 32, have raised allegations of careless treatment by doctors.
Following chest pain, Jyoti was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital in Chennai on the 15th of this month for further treatment. An angiogram was conducted to examine the possibility of blood vessel blockage. The procedure was attempted through the right arm and both legs due to the presence of blood clots.
However, subsequent angiograms revealed that the blockages in the coronary arteries were not severe. Unfortunately, due to the blood clots, the right arm and both legs turned black in color. As a life-saving measure, doctors decided to amputate Jyoti’s right hand.
Zeenath, the woman’s husband, expressed his concerns, “Doctors at a private hospital warned of a possible heart attack, which is why we opted for treatment at the government hospital to avoid high fees for the angiogram test. The doctors at the government hospital informed us that there was no damage to the heart and blood vessels, but they proceeded to cut the flesh, claiming it was necessary due to blood clots in the hands and feet.”
Zeenath further explained, “The doctors informed us that immediate amputation of the right arm was necessary to save her life. They also cautioned that if the blood circulation in the legs does not stabilize, the left leg might also require amputation. We came for a heart check-up, but they removed her limbs. We suspect wrong medication or careless treatment. We demand justice.”
It is worth noting that two months ago, a one-and-a-half-year-old child also underwent treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital. Tragically, the child’s arm was amputated, and despite receiving continuous medical care, the child did not survive.
Jyoti, admitted to the cardiac ward, received medication and appropriate treatment for two days. An angiogram test revealed swelling in her arm, indicating a blood vessel blockage. Diagnosed with a heart attack due to a blood clotting disorder, her right arm had to be amputated above the elbow. Currently, a team consisting of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and appendicitis surgeons is closely monitoring her condition.
Terani Rajan, Principal of the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, assured, “We are closely monitoring Jyoti’s condition. She was given medication and treatment, while the angiogram confirmed the blood vessel blockage. The decision to amputate her arm was necessary due to paralysis caused by the blood clot. Our team of doctors is dedicatedly overseeing her treatment.”
The family is seeking justice for the alleged negligence they claim to have faced during the treatment. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The tragic incident raises concerns about the quality of healthcare and patient safety in government hospitals.