The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital is under investigation following the death of a woman who had come in for a routine check up but whose ventilator was allegedly switched off without consultation with her family.

Police have now opened an inquested and an investigation is underway.

Ragani Govender was taken to hospital for a routine check up last week Monday, as her iron levels were low. According to media reports, her family claimed that she was mistreated by staff at the hospital. It is alleged that a nurse attached a drip to Govender's neck.

Her daughters told the media that when they visited their mother the following day in hospital, her face and body was swollen. They claimed that nurses brushed off their questions.
On the third day, when Govender's daughter went to see her mother in hospital, she found an empty bed.

When she went to ask nurses where her mother was, she was informed that Govender had died.

The family claimed that they were unaware that Govender was breathing via a ventilator, until they saw it set up next to the bed that she was in. According to doctor's reports, Govender died of kidney failure.
South African Police spokesperson, Captain Thulani Zwane, said that a case was opened and is currently under investigation.

"A murder case has been opened and no arrests have been made. We are awaiting results of the post mortem and once we have them, we will continue with the case," he said.

However, Phoenix SAP Communications Officer, Lieutenant Louise Naidoo said that the case has been changed to an inquest. Meanwhile, the hospital is investigating a case of negligence.
Department of Health spokesperson, Chris Maxom said that a meeting will be held with Govender's family and the hospital management.

He could not comment on whether the nurse, who allegedly switched off the ventilation machine, was suspended. The hospital's Public Relations Officer was not available for comment at the time of going to press.