Elderly patient dies allegedly due to unavailability of Oxygen in STNM

Elderly patient dies allegedly due to unavailability of Oxygen in STNM

Gangtok, 15 Feb : An 87-year-old patient named Bhakti Maya Rai from Khopikhadka, Soreng, reportedly passed away on Wednesday at STNM Hospital Sochyagang due to a lack of oxygen. According to the family of the deceased who spoke with the media, they were dissatisfied with the situation and expressed that such incidents should not happen again and affect other helpless patients who come to the hospital with high hopes.

A family member revealed that Bhakti Maya Rai was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and had been admitted to the Respiratory Ward for the past fourteen days. It was reported that due to her critical condition, she was transferred from the Respiratory Ward to the ICU. Unfortunately, she took her last breath while being shifted from the Respiratory Ward to the ICU in the ambulance.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes. COPD is characterized by symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and excess mucus production. The disease is progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time and can lead to severe disability or even death. While there is no cure for COPD, it can be managed with medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers that worsen symptoms.