Patient escapes SVP, returns after testing +ve

Ellisbridge cops file complaint against Sarkhej resident for endangering lives; SVP submits report to higher-ups

By Asik Banerjee

Even as coronavirus cases are spiking in Ahmedabad, an alarming case of a Covid-19 suspect escaping from one of the biggest AMC hospitals and returning a day later after testing positive has come to light.

The 30-year-old Sarkhej resident who was suspected to be Covid-19 positive was admitted to SVP hospital on Friday morning. The same night he gave authorities the slip and escaped from the hospital. On Saturday his coronavirus report was found to be positive. He was brought back and admitted to the hospital the same night.

The resident of Christiya society in Sarkhej was admitted to B1 ward of SVP hospital on Friday morning, after which his Covid-19 test was done. At that time he was a Covid-19 suspect and late in the night before his report arrived he had escaped from the hospital.

After his disappearance was discovered, the hospital authorities tried searching him in the hospital and also contacted his family, but when he could not be traced, a complaint against him was filed with Ellisbridge police under IPC Section 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and also under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Ellisbridge PI A S Patel said, "After the hospital authorities approached us, the police along with the security of the hospital established contact with the accused's family and friends who convinced him about the situation and admitted him back to the hospital on Saturday night. He must have been tensed by the whole situation, and that would have prompted him to escape from the hospital."

Regarding his background and action to be taken against him, Patel said, "The accused works as head of bouncers with a private security agency that handles security at the V S Hospital. Once he undergoes his treatment and is tested negative, then further action will be taken as per the complaint."

SVP Superintendent Dr S T Malhan told

Mirror

, "After the entire incident came to light, we immediately contacted the patient's family for his whereabouts, but when the patient could not be located, a police complaint was filed. He was later brought back to the hospital and admitted."

About what action will be taken against the staff of the hospital, Malhan said, "A report regarding the whole incident has been submitted to the higher-ups. Based on their directions further action will be initiated.