A 45-year-old man who was declared dead at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32, Chandigarh, left doctors stunned after he showed signs of life hours later. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has prompted an internal inquiry by the hospital administration.
The Incident
The man, identified as Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Mohali, was brought to GMCH-32 on Monday evening after he allegedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his home. Upon arrival, he was examined by a team of doctors who declared him dead at around 9 pm. His body was then moved to the mortuary.
However, on Tuesday morning, when mortuary staff were preparing the body for post-mortem, they noticed slight movements. Upon closer examination, they found that the man was breathing and had a weak pulse. He was immediately rushed to the emergency ward.
Medical Response
Doctors at GMCH-32 were shocked to see the man alive. He was immediately put on life support and is currently under observation in the intensive care unit. Hospital authorities stated that his condition is critical but stable.
Dr. S.S. Pandey, the medical superintendent of GMCH-32, said, "We are investigating the matter. It is a rare case where a person declared dead showed signs of life after several hours. We are monitoring his condition closely."
Family's Reaction
The man's family, who had already begun funeral preparations, were overjoyed and relieved upon receiving the news. His brother, Sunil Kumar, said, "We had lost all hope. This is nothing short of a miracle. We are grateful to the doctors for their efforts."
Inquiry Ordered
The hospital administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine how the man was declared dead despite being alive. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter and submit a report within a week.
This incident has raised questions about the protocols followed in declaring a patient dead. Medical experts suggest that in rare cases, a person may appear dead due to a condition called "pseudocoma" or "locked-in syndrome," where the patient is conscious but unable to move or respond.
Expert Opinions
Dr. A.K. Gupta, a neurologist at PGI Chandigarh, said, "Such cases are extremely rare. It is possible that the patient may have been in a deep coma or had a very weak pulse that was missed. Proper protocols, including the use of advanced equipment, should be followed to avoid such errors."
Meanwhile, the family has demanded a thorough investigation and compensation for the emotional trauma they endured. The hospital has assured them of full cooperation.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for stringent medical protocols and better training for healthcare staff to prevent such occurrences.
