Brief facts
Mr Radhakrishnan R, aged 58, filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court. The Alappuzha Medical College hospital had closed its Cardiac OP wing following the COVID-19 pandemic. The petitioner is a cardiac patient and has claimed to be ‘medically stranded’ due to this.
Petitioner’s Arguments
The petitioner submitted that his medical diagnosis showed three blockages in his heart. Additionally, he had also suffered cardiac arrests before. The closure of the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital’s Cardiac OP for non-COVID-19 patients has left several patients aggrieved. On these grounds, the hospital denied his request for cardiac bypass surgery. The petitioner further stated that he falls under the BPL category. Thus, he cannot afford a hefty sum of over ₹10 Lakh to pay for the surgery in a private hospital. Thus, the counsel for the petitioner prayed to the Court for directions to open the cardiac OP wing.
Respondent’s Arguments
The learned Government Pleader took notice of the respondents. He submitted that the Dept. of Cardiology in the Government Medical College hospital will review the petitioner’s case. He further stated that if the petitioner is found to be suitable to undergo the surgical procedure, the hospital will take appropriate follow-up actions.
Held
The Court issued an interim order to the hospital to review the petitioner’s case at the earliest. The Court added that the petitioner may go through with the due procedure, in case he is suitable for the same. Hon’ble Justice Anu Sivaram gave directions and posted the hearing after three weeks.
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