New Delhi: A 6-year-old, Aayansh Kumar, a resident of Bihar’s Begusarai, suffering from a cardiac issue, has been waiting for surgery since 2019. Doctors at AIIMS have only been providing dates for the surgery on every visit by his family.
Ankit Kumar, a 32-year-old medical store helper, shared with TOI the health struggles of his son Aayansh. The young boy was suffering from fever and respiratory issues, which led the family to seek medical advice from a local doctor. Upon examination, the doctor suspected a cardiac problem and advised the family to take Aayansh to AIIMS, Delhi for further assessment and treatment.
“We brought him to AIIMS in Nov 2018, when he was just three months old. Dr Sachin Talwar, professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery, saw the child and advised some tests. We were then asked to deposit Rs 60,000 for the surgery and Rs 8,000 for some tests. We got an appointment for the operation four months later, but the surgery hasn’t been performed till date,” claimed Ankit.
He added that he had completed all the formalities as advised by the hospital staff.
Ankit, who earns a modest monthly income of Rs 8,000, faces significant financial strain due to the medical expenses. Each visit to Delhi costs him between Rs 13,000 and Rs 15,000 for transportation and accommodation. Despite his best efforts to follow the hospital’s instructions, Aayansh’s surgery has been repeatedly delayed.
Ankit described the limitations Aayansh faces due to his condition, stating that the child cannot walk more than 15 steps without experiencing breathlessness. Additionally, Aayansh’s physical development has been hindered, not progressing as expected for a child of his age.
Frustrated by the repeated postponements, Ankit mentioned that he has only been given dates for the surgery. The reasons provided by AIIMS have varied, ranging from unavailability of beds to the doctor’s absence.
Ankit expressed his concern, stating, “I had asked the doctor whether the operation was needed, but he advised us to undergo the procedure. I don’t belong to an affluent family and I don’t have anyone who can support me financially. If something happens to my child, what will I do? He is my only child”.
Prof Rima Dada, the head of the public relations department at AIIMS, stated that “taking cognisance of the complaint of a patient’s father alleging postponement of the surgery of his son for a cardiac intervention for nearly 6 years, AIIMS, New Delhi has constituted a fact-finding committee to verify the allegations and introduce corrective measures, if required. The committee has been asked to fast track its inquiry and provide its report within 7 days”.
Attempts to contact Dr Talwar were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
