A family in Canada is seeking answers after an Indian-origin man died following an alleged eight-hour wait at a hospital in Alberta. The case has triggered public outrage, raised questions about emergency care, and drawn a response from Indian authorities.
The man, Prashant Sreekumar, complained of severe chest pain and was rushed to a hospital in southeast Edmonton earlier this week. His wife now claims that doctors and staff failed to treat his condition in time, leading to his sudden collapse and death.
What Happened at the Alberta Hospital
He was taken to Gray Nuns Hospital shortly after. His wife said he remained in the triage area for hours without proper medical attention.
“He was brought to Gray Nuns Hospital by 12.50, 12.20. He was sitting in the triage from 12.20 onward till about I would say 8.50 onward till about 8.50 in the night,” she said.
She added that her husband repeatedly complained of pain while waiting.
Allegations of Negligence and Rising Blood Pressure
Sreekumar’s wife alleged that hospital staff did not treat his condition as urgent. She said doctors only gave him Tylenol, despite his blood pressure rising dangerously.
His last recorded blood pressure was 210, she claimed, far above normal levels.
“They said that chest pain is not considered acute problem. They do not suspect a cardiac arrest,” she said.
Moments later, Sreekumar collapsed.
“When he came inside, he was asked to sit down. He got up for friction of second and he collapsed. He fainted and the nurse was heard saying that I do not feel a pulse,” she added.
Family Demands Accountability and Legal Action
The grieving wife accused hospital authorities of ignoring warning signs and failing to act on time. She alleged that staff negligence led directly to her husband’s death.
She also claimed that hospital security behaved rudely instead of addressing the emergency.
She said she plans to take the matter to court to seek justice.
What the Victim’s Father Said
Sreekumar’s father, Kumar Sreekumar, reached the hospital after his son was admitted. He recalled a painful conversation. “He told me, ‘Papa, I cannot bear the pain,’” he said.
The father said his son rated the pain as 15 out of 10 and informed nurses repeatedly. Blood pressure readings continued to rise. “It went up, up, and up. To me, it was through the roof,” he said.
Speaking emotionally, the father described his son as deeply devoted to his family. “He was for his family, for his kids. Anybody who talked to him said, ‘We don’t know a better than him’,” he said.
India Reacts, Canada Asked to Take Responsibility
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Sreekumar was Indian-origin but a Canadian citizen.
“So, obviously the government of Canada should take responsibility in this particular matter,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The case has renewed debate around emergency healthcare standards and patient wait times in Canada.
Why This Case Matters
The death has sparked anger among Indian diaspora groups and healthcare advocates. Many are asking how a patient with severe chest pain could wait hours without intervention.
As investigations and possible legal action loom, the family hopes their tragedy leads to accountability and change.
