65-year-old undertrial permitted to avail pvt hospital treatment by court

Mumbai: A sessions court in Mumbai in an order directing prison authorities to shift the 65-year-old accused of financial fraud to a private hospital to avail treatment at his expense said that human life is precious, be it that of a prisoner, a businessman or a politician.

Hemant Hathi, who was booked by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), had submitted an application to the court that he had serious medical ailments. He had to be taken from the jail to JJ Hospital for emergency treatment after he suddenly lost consciousness. Officials informed that he was advised to be given special treatment at KEM Hospital, but when he was brought there, due to technical reasons, he was informed that treatment was not available, the Indian Express reported.

Hathi asked to be shifted to a private hospital for treatment saying that he was willing to bear the medical expenses and the charge of a police escort. The SFIO opposed his application stating that his general health is now good and he can continue to take the medicines prescribed to him at JJ Hospital. The court said that Hathi's medical reports indicated that he had serious brain and heart ailments.

"It is undoubtedly true that the human life is precious be it of a prisoner, businessman, politician or whoever he/she may be and one should make every attempt to save the life," the court said last week.

The court held that since the accused required specialist treatment which was not available in the government hospital, treatment in a private hospital could be allowed 'while there may not be any prejudice being caused to the prosecuting agency'. A report on his health condition was also requested from the private hospital.