An investigation is underway in the Zhambyl region into the death of a 39-year-old resident of Taraz after hospitalisation. Claims are circulating on social media that doctors allegedly refused to admit the patient without payment.
According to Kazinform News Agency, relatives report that the man was initially allegedly refused hospitalisation due to a lack of beds, and was then asked for payment for examination. After admission to the hospital, his condition deteriorated sharply.
"During the autopsy, about one and a half litres of fluid were found in the lungs, although doctors initially spoke of an insignificant amount. The investigation has dragged on for almost a year," the publication's description reads.
The regional health department reported that the patient was admitted on 3 January to the city multi-speciality hospital and consultative-diagnostic centre with a diagnosis of "severe community-acquired pneumonia".
"From the medical history, it was established that the patient had been ill at home for more than 10 days without treatment. According to relatives and data from the electronic health passport, he had abused alcohol for a long time, including during the 10 days prior to admission to the hospital," the department noted.
It became known that the patient was brought to hospital after a fall — with a chest contusion and multiple bruises. Medics diagnosed severe pneumonia and hydrothorax — an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity.
The facility reported that the patient was urgently admitted to the pulmonology department and treatment was started immediately. His condition worsened during therapy, after which a resuscitation specialist was called and extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed.
Despite the measures taken, medics recorded the patient's biological death on 6 January.
The police department noted that the investigation is ongoing. The pre-trial investigation period is two months; if necessary, the prosecutor's office extends it by three to four months.
Expert examinations have been ordered concerning the attending physician, and an additional forensic medical commission is planned. According to the deputy head of the regional police department, Baizhan Baigeldi, the investigation is checking all versions, including the relatives' arguments and the doctors' compliance with legal requirements and medical protocols.