My mother was admitted to Aster Medcity in Kochi a week ago, and I feel compelled to share the distressing experience she went through, which I believe reflects poorly on the hospital’s patient care standards.
ICU Experience
From the moment my mother was admitted to the ICU, it was evident that the hospital prioritized profit over patient care:
Unnecessary Marketing: While my mother was in the ICU, instead of focusing on her treatment, some individuals came in to market medical equipment directly to her. This added unnecessary stress to her situation, rather than discussing these matters with the bystander.
Neglect and Lack of Response: My mother asked for help multiple times while in the ICU, but no one responded. She felt abandoned, scared, and helpless. The hospital pretended to provide proper care, but the reality was far from it. They also did not allow the bystander to stay in touch with her.
Doctor’s Attitude
Lack of Involvement: Dr. Praveen Valsan, who had been treating my mother for a year, showed no concern during this critical time. He even complained to the bystander that she wasn’t cooperating, without considering her distress.
Delayed and Inadequate Care: When my mother was transferred to a room after her condition seemed stable, her saturation and heart rate spiked. My brother, who works in the medical field, suggested a VBG test, but the hospital staff delayed calling the doctor. It took over half an hour for the doctor to arrive, and by the time he did, the test had failed. They had to conduct the test again, causing further delays and stress. Eventually, she was moved back to the ICU, yet the doctor didn’t check on her condition afterward.
Equipment Mismanagement
Incorrect Equipment Setup: The technicians who installed the BiPAP set it up incorrectly, using the wrong mask size, which caused further complications. When we raised concerns, they provided a different mask that wasn’t even compatible with the BiPAP. We only realized this when we consulted with a different technician.
Financial Priorities Over Patient Care
Focus on Billing: Throughout this ordeal, the hospital staff seemed more focused on updating the bill rather than addressing our concerns. They were efficient in billing but failed miserably in providing basic patient care. The final bill was shockingly high, adding financial stress to the emotional trauma we were already experiencing.
Inappropriate Request for Positive Review: When my mother was finally discharged, one person apologized for the inconvenience caused but then requested that we leave a positive review online. This was highly inappropriate given the circumstances.
Fortunately, my mother was discharged alive, but this experience has left us deeply scarred. I would never recommend Aster Medcity to anyone who values their health and well-being. The hospital’s neglect, lack of compassion, and focus on profit over patient care make it a place to avoid at all costs.