A medical intern of Lokmanya Municipal General Hospital Dr Sumidha Khandare, who was diagnosed with multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) during her internship, passed away at PD Hinduja Hospital on Sunday.
Within four months of internship, Dr Khandare contracted MDR TB. She had been battling for her life at PD Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, and was on life support system. Dr Khandare was shifted from Sion Hospital to Hinduja over 53 days ago on grounds of poor nursing and treatment, said Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors. However, over the last few days, her condition began to deteriorate. “She was with us for over three months now, and wasn’t keeping too well. She was suffering from MDR TB, and her chances of survival were very thin,” said Dr Ashit Hegde of Hinduja Hospital, under whose care Dr Khandare was admitted. Dr Hegde also added that Dr Khandare was not being treated as per the Revised
National TB Control Programme, but was being given an individualised treatment. Meanwhile, the current dean of Sion Hospital Dr Avinash Supe said, “We did not shift Samidha to Hinduja Hospital. It was the family’s decision. Even though she was admitted there, we continued to do everything possible to help her. We raised money for her treatment to the tune of `4 to `5 lakh, our doctors were keeping a track of her treatment too.”
Dr Supe also informed that the family had expressed a desire to shift her to BYL Nair Hospital.
“Since 2010, there have been over 65 MDR TB deaths in the city. Currently, there are 3,270 MDR TB cases in Mumbai,” said Dr Mini Khetrapal, Central TB officer, Mumbai.