Refugee in hospital monitored

A team of doctors from the Pacific International Hospital are closely monitoring Zarie Saeed, an asylum seeker who was admitted last month.
Saeed was admitted on Dec 7 for an acute exacerbation of a chronic disease which was swiftly treated and he was stabilised.
PIH chief executive officer Col Sandeep Shaligram, responding to claims that Saeed was restrained for three days and force-fed by hospital staff after he went on hunger strike for 20 days, said this was absolutely unfounded, unfair and unacceptable reporting.
He said Saeed refused food, water, intravenous fluids and any laboratory investigations.
“The PIH clinicians then counselled the patient and informed him of the risk of developing a life threatening condition by refusing food and medicines.
“The patient was also consulted and assessed by a psychiatrist.
“Since the continued refusal of medical attention and food was leading to an imminent and potentially life-threatening condition, and under the given circumstances no further treatment could be forcefully administered to the patient.”
Shaligram said a court order was obtained on humanitarian grounds in order to save the patient’s life.
The National Court instructed PIH to administer fluid and food to him and to use restraint if necessary.
“The court order was carried out same evening with utmost courtesy, consideration, care and compassion.
“Restraint was only in place as long as he was non-cooperative and was removed immediately after he became cooperative.
“The doctors and staff of Pacific International Hospital treat all its patients and families with unfailing and utmost courtesy, and consideration.
“Saeed is presently stable and his medical condition is not life-threatening.
“His condition is being monitored by the PIH panel of doctors and he is likely to be discharged soon.
“The hospital respects patient confidentiality and will not disclose or discuss his case with the media,” he said.