RIMS clarifies on reported negligence of SACEP
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 12 2012:
The RIMS authority has refuted the allegations that the reported negligence of SACEP has claimed the life of a woman which appeared in a section of local dailies on October 9 edition while dismissing the charges as misleading.
The RIMS authority today clarified that the patient in question was started on Ist line ART privately from 2001 to 2004.She was registered at JN hospital on December 9, 2004 and was given alternate Stavudine and Zidovuvine based regimen because of the side effects of the drugs.
She was put up for 25th SACEP meeting on April 6, 2011 with CD4 count of 107/cumm.But she did not turn up.
On May 27 with CD4 count of 180/cumm she was advised the same ARV regimen as her CD4 was increased.
She was referred again for third time to SACEP meeting on December 14,2011 with CD4 count of 210/cumm with paraparesis and abnormal liver function.
She was recommended Ist line alternative regimen.
Thereafter she never attended the ART centre, RIMS from December 12, 2011 to September 10, 2012 to collect her ARV medicine, proper examination and counselling except on one occasion, May 11, 2012.Her family members collected the medicines on her behalf.
When she finally came on September 24, 2012 she was sick and was admitted to the Medicine ward of RIMS.
She was examined daily and investigated like all other patients.
She was discharged on September 29, 2012 with the advice to attend ART centre regularly, it stated.
She was brought to the casualty ward on October 2,2012 with complaints of restlessness and breathlessness.
She however died within one hour.
If she had attended the ART centre regularly her problems could have been detected.
Her viral load testing was not recommended during April to December 2011 as her CD4 had increased from 107 to 201/cumm, the statement clarified.