Indian-Origin Man Dies After 8-Hour Wait at Canada Hospital Despite Chest Pain

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man died of a suspected cardiac arrest at a hospital in Canada’s Edmonton after allegedly waiting for more than eight hours for treatment despite repeatedly complaining of severe chest pain, triggering questions over emergency care delays.

The incident involved Prashant Sreekumar, who collapsed and died shortly after being taken into the emergency room at Grey Nuns Hospital on December 22. He is survived by his wife and three children aged three, 10 and 14.

According to reports, Sreekumar began experiencing intense chest pain while at work and was rushed to the hospital by his client. He was initially assessed at triage and asked to wait in the emergency department. His father, Kumar Sreekumar, later joined him at the hospital.

“Papa, I can’t bear the pain,” Sreekumar told his father while waiting for medical attention. He reportedly informed hospital staff that his pain level was “15 out of 10.”

Hospital staff conducted an electrocardiogram (ECG) and reportedly told him there was nothing of immediate concern. He was given Tylenol and asked to continue waiting. During the prolonged wait, nurses periodically monitored his blood pressure, which his father said continued to rise sharply.

After approximately eight hours, Sreekumar was finally called into the emergency room. According to his father, moments after entering, he clutched his chest and collapsed. Medical staff attempted to intervene, but he died within seconds.

The hospital later issued a statement expressing condolences to the family but declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing patient privacy. “There is nothing more important than the safety and care of our patients and staff,” the statement said.

A video circulating on social media shows Sreekumar’s wife recounting the ordeal, alleging that his blood pressure had reached 210 and that he continued to receive only basic pain medication. The video could not be independently verified.

The case has sparked renewed concern over emergency healthcare wait times in Canada, particularly for patients presenting with potentially life-threatening symptoms.