Gujarat Mandates Audio-Video Consent for High-Risk Procedures Following Angioplasty Deaths

This measure was introduced after allegations surfaced that the families of the deceased were not adequately informed about the procedures performed.

In response to the tragic deaths of two patients at Khyati Hospital due to allegedly unnecessary angioplasty procedures, the Gujarat government has announced strict protocols to ensure transparency and accountability in hospitals.

Under the newly issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), hospitals must now record audio and video consent from patients' relatives before performing cardiac, cardiovascular, pediatric, radiological, or chemotherapy procedures under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) schemes.

This measure was introduced after allegations surfaced that the families of the deceased were not adequately informed about the procedures performed.

Enhanced Oversight & Anti-Fraud Measures

State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, following a meeting with senior health department officials, announced the strengthening of the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU).

The revamped SAFU will include new teams tasked with regular hospital inspections to monitor patient care quality and ensure the use of approved stents and implants.

Any suspicious practices will be reported to the National Anti-Fraud Unit for further investigation.

Additionally, hospitals will now be required to upload recordings of angiography and angioplasty procedures to a centralized portal. The government is developing the necessary software to facilitate this process.

Grading System for Hospitals

As part of the new directives, the Chief District Health Officer or medical officers from the health department must conduct at least two visits to hospitals to evaluate the quality of care provided.

These assessments will result in hospitals receiving grades, ensuring greater accountability in healthcare delivery.

Health Minister Patel emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach to medical malpractice, stating, "No hospital will be allowed to play with human lives or indulge in malpractice. Exemplary steps are being taken to prevent such incidents."

The Khyati Hospital case has sparked nationwide concerns over emergency procedure approvals and fund disbursals under government healthcare schemes, prompting these corrective actions.

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