Friday 19 February 2021

MAN DIES DURING COVID-19 TEST

DEATH is sad enough when anticipated, but even worse when least expected as it makes the pain more unbearable and unbelievable.

This is the predicament the Mapiye family of Rusape found itself in on Tuesday afternoon after receiving news of a relative — Arnold Mapiye’s — death at Rusape General Hospital through social media.

The late Mapiye (47), who was famously known as DJ Bhinya-Bhinya in entertainment circles, had reportedly visited the hospital for Covid-19 screening and testing when he met his fate.

He allegedly complained of fatigue and chills in the legs and hands. As the medical team conducted the tests, a swab accidentally remained lodged in Mapiye’s nose. He was rushed to the theatre where an operation was performed to remove the swab.

He allegedly died during the process. The Mapiyes are now demanding justice, accusing the hospital of negligence.

Mr Bezel Rusere, a brother to the deceased, said they never expected Mapiye’s death since his condition was not serious when he went to hospital. He said coming to terms with the loss is difficult as they strongly believe that Mapiye did not receive acceptable care from doctors.

He alleged that clinical negligence may have caused his brother’s death.

“He was a victim of negligence. There is nothing more painful than losing someone young and dear to the heart in this manner. The family is drowned in a torrent of agonising pain,” said Mr Rusere.

“My brother just wanted to have a Covid-19 test. His condition was not serious. When they performed a Covid-19 test on him, a swab remained in his nose and a decision was made to perform an operation to remove it with the consent of his wife. An anaesthetic injection was administered on him as part of the procedure, and we suspect he passed on during the process.

“The doctor left the patient in the theatre and went out to attend to other errands. He only returned after some nurses had raised alarm. When we tried to engage the doctor on what had happened, he was non-committal. He appeared confused. We hold it that Arnold died as a result of his negligence,” said Mr Rusere.

He said an unidentified employee at the hospital posted the sad news in a local WhatsApp group before the deceased’s next of kin had been informed.

“People then started calling to verify the news and it was shocking. I then rushed to the hospital and those who knew me passed their condolences. I was shocked and very angry at the same time. It came as a terrible shock and is still hard to grasp. It is unforgivable. The pain is so unbearable and unbelievable,” said Mr Rusere.

Makoni District Medical Officer, Dr Tendai Nyafesa yesterday (Thursday), said investigations were in progress.

“I can confirm that we had a table death of that nature. I cannot say much since the matter is still under investigation. Those who were handling the patient have been asked to submit reports detailing what really transpired and led to the death of the patient. I should have the full facts by next week,” said Dr Nyafesa.

Dr Nyafesa said their main aim is to make the hospital wards places of healing and caring, where pain and distress can be eased by caring professionals. He said patients should not shun the hospital as a result of the incident, especially in this era of coronavirus which requires swift medical attention and care. Manica Post

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