11 die at Jayadeva in Mysuru; director says patients arrived beyond ‘golden hour’

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Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: File photo

Amid reports of the deaths of 11 patients at the Mysuru unit of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the institute’s director, B. Dinesh, rushed to Mysuru on Wednesday (June 17) to assess the situation and ascertain the reasons behind the fatalities following allegations of negligence and a shortage of doctors at the hospital.

The deaths have sparked concerns not only among residents of Mysuru but also among people from neighbouring districts, as the hospital serves as a major referral centre for cardiac care in the region. The allegations have triggered anxiety among the public, given the institution’s reputation as a pioneering centre providing affordable and specialised treatment for heart ailments.

Functioning under the Department of Medical Education, Jayadeva Hospital has long been regarded as a lifeline for thousands of cardiac patients across southern Karnataka.

Rejecting allegations that a shortage of doctors had contributed to the deaths, Dr. Dinesh told reporters that all the deceased patients had been admitted in a critical condition after suffering heart attacks and had crossed the crucial “golden hour” before reaching the hospital.

Addressing a press conference, he said Jayadeva Hospital receives between 600 and 800 patients every day, of whom nearly 20% arrive in a serious condition requiring immediate intervention.

“The institution does not look at a patient’s financial status before treatment. Our priority is to save lives, and treatment begins immediately. The doctors here work with complete dedication,” he said.

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding the deaths, Dr. Dinesh said the 11 patients were not admitted on the same day. All had suffered heart attacks and were undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Most were elderly and had reached the hospital after battling for survival elsewhere.

“Many of these patie