Hello,

Recently , I lost a family member who was shifted to ICU but there was no proper access to know the actual condition as we were only allowed to meet during the visting hours. He used to be sedated all the time so we couldn't ask him how he is feeling. Also, when he died the doctor told us that they are trying to revive through CPR but we followed immediately and we saw they did nothing and there was cleaning going on in the room. This non - transparent mode of ICU rules makes family members so helpless that after signing the medical consent form ( gives free hand to do any line of treatment without informing family) you can't do anything.. Also, they shamelessly keep on doing procedures to make bills showing the patient alive with the help of ventilator and other life support machines.

I am sure many of you could relate with my pain and helplessness.

It is high time we need to have transparent practices in ICU and critical care units in India to ensure that the patients get the right medical care,so, that family would know what is happening with the patient and not be in darkness.

My suggestions are below-

1. A cctv access of the patient bed and monitor system can give family a true picture of what is happening inside.
2. A glass window access all the time of the patient can give the family actual position of the patient.

Looking forward for your support in this much needed change. We need to ensure best and transparent care for every patient needing ICU or critical care.

thanks,

Richa Raghuwanshi