‘Check if any govt hosp has pacemaker implantation facility for Wadhawan’

In a relief for the promoter of Housing Development Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) Rakesh Wadhawan, who was arrested for his alleged role in the multi-crore money laundering scam, involving Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) bank, the Bombay High Court has asked the prison authorities to inform them if any government hospital in the city has a pacemaker implantation facility.

Alternatively, the court has said that if the facility is not available at a government hospital then Wadhawan can opt for a private one of his choice and bear the expenses. This order was passed by Justice Bharti Dangre on September 27, while hearing Wadhwan’s bail application, seeking his release on medical grounds.

Additional public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde submitted a ‘current clinical status’ report, dated September 22, by KEM Hospital which stated that Wadhawan suffers from chronic kidney disease and has morbidity. The report further stated that his heart rate fluctuates due to which he is advised to go for a dual chamber pacemaker implantation, which would involve angiography. However, this pacemaker was not available at KEM currently, the report stated.

Justice Dangre then observed, “The medical reports of the patient reflect that he (Wadhawan) requires immediate medical treatment of acute nature…”

However, the court wondered if Wadhawan was fit to undergo the procedure. “The question then arises is when and where it will have to be medically ascertained whether the applicant is fit for this implantation or he will have to wait and another question that arises is where the procedure can be carried out,” added Justice Dangre.

Wadhawan’s counsel Aabad Ponda submitted a report of a consultant cardiologist who was permitted to visit Wadhwan. The next hearing will be on September 28.