A routine medical procedure for a broken leg has turned into a traumatic ordeal for gold miner Amitesh Ram, 38, from Toko, Tavua, who is now bedridden in a vegetative state, requiring constant care. His family describes their lives as having been “turned upside down” and are seeking clarity about what went wrong during his treatment.
Amitesh sustained his injuries on November 13, 2025, when loose rocks fell on his leg in a mine shaft at Vatukoula Gold Mine. Initially taken to Tavua Hospital with injuries they believed were serious but manageable—a broken right leg and a large cut on his left foot—his family expected a simple recovery process involving plaster and stitches. However, he was quickly transferred to Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital for surgery.
Following a 45-minute operation on November 14, Amitesh was sent back to Tavua Hospital, where his condition deteriorated. According to the family, he began experiencing breathing difficulties and a fever, leading to a second transfer back to Lautoka Hospital on November 15. By that time, he was unresponsive.
Medical records indicate that upon admission to Aspen Medical, he was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia along with a severe brain injury. The medical report revealed a devastating prognosis, indicating he would likely remain in a persistent vegetative state due to significant brain damage.
Recently discharged back home, Amitesh’s condition has not improved. Confined to bed and unable to communicate, his family expresses deep concern that this may be his new reality. Rimon Ram, Amitesh’s elder brother, reflects on their shock at how drastically his brother’s fate changed after what was supposed to be a simple procedure.
Aspen Medical has acknowledged that their clinical team has met with the family to address their concerns, but they have not disclosed specific details due to patient confidentiality. Attempts to get a reply from the Ministry of Health have gone unanswered, leaving the Ram family in a state of uncertainty.
For them, each day is now defined by a grim hope for understanding and accountability regarding the medical care Amitesh received, stemming from an incident that began with a broken leg and ended in a life-altering tragedy. Their situation highlights the critical importance of transparent communication in medical care, especially during emergencies where lives hang in the balance.
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