Pristyn Care: Did the Failure of the Medical System Lead to a Patient's Death?

Analyzing allegations and tragic consequences in the Pristyn care case.

Highlights:

Allegations against Pristyn Care reveal a potential conflict between financial incentives and patient well-being
This raises ethical concerns about prioritizing financial gain over patients' best interests
The case of Amita Panchal highlights the necessity of transparent communication and informed consent in medical procedures

The medical industry plays a vital role in society, providing crucial healthcare services to individuals in need. However, instances of medical system failures can have severe consequences, including loss of life.

Two Judgements in the UK Could Shape the Way Medicine is Practiced
Should a medical professional take decisions based on the medical evidences or decisions be on patient-centered factors? To address this very important question, we discuss two interesting cases from the UK and their judgements.

‘Amidst allegations of surgical pressure, a life is lost. When will the call for regulatory action be answered? #pristyncare #medicalsystem’

Why is Pristyn Care facing Problems?

Pristyn Care, backed by prominent investors like Sequoia and Tiger Global, operates through a unique model that involves collaborating with hospitals to offer essential infrastructure for surgeries.

The company heavily relies on digital marketing and a substantial sales team to convert online inquiries into consultations and surgical procedures across various medical specialties. However, allegations have arisen that Pristyn Care's doctors are under pressure to prioritize surgical interventions over alternative treatments.

Is Indian Healthcare System Failing After Covid-19 Pandemic?
Indian healthcare systems are failing due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, some states and Union Territories (UTs) succeeded in streamlining the resources rapidly to fight the virus.

The Case of Amita Panchal

A recent case reported by Mint brings to light the potential consequences of the alleged pressure to perform surgeries. Amita Panchal, a 47-year-old Mumbai-based bank employee, underwent a procedure recommended by Pristyn Care doctors involving the insertion of an intragastric balloon. Following the surgery, Amita experienced ongoing pain and discomfort that did not improve even after two days. Despite the family's request for the removal of the balloon, it was only removed through an endoscopy on May 24th. Tragically, Amita passed away on May 25th.

Experts Issue Statement on Renal Failure in ICU Patients
Despite the fact that recent medical advances have allowed healthcare professionals to stabilize patients who would have otherwise died, many stabilized patients later develop organ system failure.

How did the Medical System Fail its Patient?

Allegations of Pressure for Surgical Procedures:
The allegations that Pristyn Care doctors are evaluated based on their ability to convert consultations into surgeries raise ethical concerns.

Medical decisions should prioritize patient well-being over financial considerations. If doctors are indeed incentivized to prioritize surgical interventions, it can compromise the trust patients place in the medical profession

Transparency and Informed Consent:
The case highlights the importance of transparent communication and informed consent. Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any medical procedure.

If Amita Panchal's family's claims of a deliberate delay in removing the intragastric balloon are accurate, it raises questions about the quality of care provided and the timeliness of addressing complications (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Informed consent: time for more transparency

Go to source)

Medical Assessment and Supervision:
Pristyn Care's founder claims a thorough assessment process involving medical history, risks, and conditions, as well as evaluation by a medical directorate team.

However, in cases where patients face complications post-surgery, the efficacy of the assessment process and the adequacy of supervision come into question.

Patient Support and Post-Surgery Care:
The founder asserts Pristyn Care's robust patient support network. However, the effectiveness of this network in preventing, addressing, and managing complications after surgeries requires further scrutiny, especially considering the unfortunate outcome in this case

Formal Complaint and Accountability:
It's noteworthy that the deceased's family has not lodged any formal complaint against Pristyn Care. Filing a complaint doesn't prove or disprove the allegations

The case of Amita Panchal underscores the importance of an ethical, patient-centered approach in the medical field.

Allegations of pressuring patients into surgeries and evaluating doctors based on surgical conversions raise concerns about the medical system's priorities.

Transparency, informed consent, rigorous assessment, and patient support are crucial elements to ensure patient safety and well-being. Further investigation and possible regulatory oversight may be necessary to ascertain the facts and prevent future failures within the medical system.

Reference:

Informed consent: time for more transparency - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20537202/)

Source-Medindia

Number of ICU Deaths On Rise Due to Opioid Overdose
Opioid epidemic is killing more number of people in the ICU, despite all the care provided in the hospitals due to opioid overdose, reveals a new study.