Twelve patients booked for surgeries with doctors from Sahyadri have missed out because the hospital withdrew services without telling the Fijian Health Ministry.

The Sahyadri Hospital in India has pulled out of its agreement with the Health Ministry to conduct Open Heart Surgeries here.

Minister Jone Usamate wouldn’t reveal the exact reasons, but says there are certain requirements that Sahyadri needs to address.

“I’ve been advised by the medical doctors here if there is a complication that happens to one of the patient that have had an operation we want to be sure that we can link back to that hospital for continuum of care and safety for patients because at the end of the day the most important consideration for the Ministry of Health is ultimately the patients safety .”

Out of the twelve, three have had their funds re-imbursed, another three who qualified for government assistance were sent to Fortis Hospital also in India.

The rest didn’t meet the requirement.

Usamate also confirms that one person due for surgery has passed away due to multiple organ failure but he patient was no an emergency case.

The National Federation Party has criticised the ministry for the way the whole issue is being handled.