Amid reports of the deaths of 11 patients at the Mysuru unit of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the institute’s director, B. Dinesh, rushed to Mysuru on Wednesday (June 17) to assess the situation and ascertain the reasons behind the fatalities following allegations of negligence and a shortage of doctors at the hospital.

The deaths have sparked concerns not only among residents of Mysuru but also among people from neighbouring districts, as the hospital serves as a major referral centre for cardiac care in the region. The allegations have triggered anxiety among the public, given the institution’s reputation as a pioneering centre providing affordable and specialised treatment for heart ailments.

Functioning under the Department of Medical Education, Jayadeva Hospital has long been regarded as a lifeline for thousands of cardiac patients across southern Karnataka.

Rejecting allegations that a shortage of doctors had contributed to the deaths, Dr. Dinesh told reporters that all the deceased patients had been admitted in a critical condition after suffering heart attacks and had crossed the crucial “golden hour” before reaching the hospital.

Addressing a press conference, he said Jayadeva Hospital receives between 600 and 800 patients every day, of whom nearly 20% arrive in a serious condition requiring immediate intervention.

“The institution does not look at a patient’s financial status before treatment. Our priority is to save lives, and treatment begins immediately. The doctors here work with complete dedication,” he said.

Patients battling for survival

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the deaths, Dr. Dinesh said the 11 patients were not admitted on the same day. All had suffered heart attacks and were undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Most were elderly and had reached the hospital after battling for survival elsewhere.

“Many of these patients were also suffering from comorbidities such as diabetes. In such circumstances, the survival rate is low, around 9%,” he said.

No shortage of doctors

Dismissing reports of a shortage of doctors as “baseless”, he said the hospital enjoys an international reputation for cardiac care. “At present, the hospital has 40 doctors, including 24 cardiologists, 10 anaesthesiologists, one cardiac surgeon and 10 postgraduate doctors. Claims of a doctor shortage are false,” he asserted.

However, he acknowledged that patient inflow has increased significantly since last summer, creating a need for an additional 5 to 8% of medical staff. Recruitment is under way for 24 doctor posts across the State, he added.

Dr. Dinesh also announced that the State government has sanctioned an extra 200 beds for the hospital, including 60 ICU beds.

As part of efforts to expand cardiac care services, Jayadeva Hospital will establish a sub-centre in Chamarajanagar district within the next two months. Similar satellite centres are planned in neighbouring districts in the future, he informed.

Medical Superintendent K.S. Sadananda was present.