A Distressing Experience with Dr. Sangeetha Karthikeyan (O&G) at Kumaraswamy Hospital, Erode
As a couple trying to conceive, we always believed that finding the right doctor was crucial for both physical care and emotional support. Unfortunately, our experience with Dr. Sangeetha Karthikeyan, Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Kumaraswamy Hospital, Erode, turned out to be one of the most distressing and disheartening encounters of our lives.
On 20.12.2024, my wife and I reached the hospital around 8:30 a.m. for her routine check-up. Like many couples in a similar phase, weve been trying to conceive for the past yeara journey filled with emotional ups and downs. We were mentally prepared for the routine waiting period, but what followed was deeply upsetting.
After waiting for over 3.5 hours, we noticed that despite our name being listed, three to four other patients were called in before us. When I politely questioned the attending nurse regarding this, she failed to provide any valid reason, repeatedly dismissing us with a simple "just wait." I couldnt help but feel that this preferential treatment was driven by caste discrimination, as those patients were locals while we are North Indians. Unfortunately, this was not the first time we had experienced such biased behavior during previous visits. However, this time, I decided to voice my concern.
The moment we entered Dr. Sangeetha Karthikeyans chamber, instead of receiving the usual care and understanding expected from a gynaecologist, we were met with an unwarranted outburst. Without even inquiring about the situation, she started yelling at us, saying:
How dare you question my staff?"
- "Its always my call who enters the cabin, not yours."
- "You dont have patiencehow will you become parents?"
- "You will never understand priority until you become a mother yourself."
- "I left my family early in the morning to be here, and you people just come and complain."
These harsh, insensitive, and deeply personal comments shattered my wifes mental peace. We were already navigating a delicate emotional state, and such demeaning remarks from a gynaecologist, who should ideally provide emotional and psychological support, left us stunned.
Despite this, I chose to remain calm and avoided escalating the situation further, fearing its impact on my wifes already fragile mental state. But the damage was done. Since that day, my wife has been haunted by the doctors hurtful words, and we continue to feel distressed and anxious whenever the memory resurfaces.
Why This Experience Was So Hurtful
1. Lack of Compassion
A gynaecologist, more than anyone else, should understand the emotional vulnerability of couples trying to conceive. Instead of empathy, we were met with judgment and humiliation.
2. Unprofessional & Discriminatory Behavior
The hospital staffs apparent caste-based favoritism was deeply upsetting. Healthcare professionals should ensure fair and unbiased treatment to all patients, irrespective of their background.
3. Emotional Insensitivity
Comments like "how will you become parents without patience" were not only unprofessional but also mentally distressing, especially for a couple struggling with infertility.
4. Doctor’s Arrogant Attitude
The doctors dismissive and condescending remarks, coupled with her unwillingness to even listen to our concerns, were indicative of a power-driven, unsympathetic attitude.
Our Takeaway from This Traumatizing Experience
We always believed that doctors are supposed to healnot just physically, but emotionally too, especially in fields like gynaecology, where the emotional well-being of patients is closely tied to their physical health. However, Dr. Sangeetha Karthikeyans behavior shattered that belief.
We sincerely hope that no other couple has to go through what we did. If you are seeking compassionate and understanding care while trying to conceive, we strongly advise you to reconsider your choice when it comes to Kumaraswamy Hospital, particularly under Dr. Sangeetha Karthikeyans care.
Healthcare is not just about prescribing medications or conducting proceduresits about empathy, understanding, and support. Sadly, in our experience, these qualities were profoundly lacking here.
We share our story to create awareness and to remind everyone that patients deserve respect, empathy, and ethical treatmentirrespective of their background.