The parents of a young girl who died after being admitted to Perth Children’s Hospital with a fever last month have held a hunger strike, demanding answers from health authorities.
Aishwarya Aswath developed a fever on Good Friday and was rushed to hospital the next day.
The seven-year-old’s parents said her condition deteriorated rapidly, her eyes cloudy and hands cold.
Mother Prasitha Sasidharan said she told doctors what was happening with her daughter’s eyes was not normal and was told a doctor would come to investigate.
As Aishwarya’s condition worsened, the couple from Morley in north-east Perth pleaded for help but told 9News medical staff ignored them.
“I actually went to the reception four or five times and I asked them to look at her,” Ms Sasidharan said.
The family said by the time doctors looked at little Aishwarya it was too late. She died within hours of treatment beginning.
Still waiting for answers, the couple waited until Perth restrictions had lifted and at midnight, began their hunger strike out the front of the hospital’s emergency department.
Armed with a sign that reads: “Fight for justice for Aishwarya”, her parents say they would remain outside the hospital until they get a response from health authorities.
“Maybe it isn’t an important issue for them, but it is for me – I need answers,” Mr Chavittupara told 9News today.
“The minimum we are going to be here is 24 hours, it doesn’t matter if they accept or don’t accept our conditions.
“Everyone is going back to their life, but our life is shattered.”
The hospital has already started a review to discover the cause of death and the coroner is also investigating.
After almost 10 hours, Perth Children’s Hospital CEO of Children and Adolescent Health Dr Aresh Anwar and a social worker met with the couple and promised the review will be completed within two weeks.
“They just said this is the final stage of the process and they want to do things right,” Mr Chavittupara said.
This content first appear on 9news