Western Reader
The family of a Christian teenager, Sudiksha, in the United Kingdom is speaking out against the tragic circumstances surrounding her death. They claim that the National Health Service (NHS) and the courts denied her the opportunity to seek potentially life-saving treatments overseas.
Sudiksha had been diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease that caused muscle weakness, hearing loss, and kidney damage. Despite her declining health, she remained fully conscious and capable of communication.
She expressed her strong will to fight for her life, stating that she would rather “die trying to live.”
BREAKING: The High Court has just ruled that the NHS Trust at the centre of a legal battle over the treatment of Sudiksha Thirumalesh, 19, who subsequently died, can be named as University Hospitals Birmingham Trust.
More here 👉 https://t.co/PUvlS2mtq9
📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/EoNzG8EEgC
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 29, 2023
Unfortunately, her pleas were ignored as the NHS and the courts refused to allow her to seek specialized treatment abroad. The family was even prohibited from publicly revealing her name. This cloak of anonymity extended to the healthcare institution and doctors involved in her case, shielding them from public scrutiny.
The family’s struggle did not end there. In a desperate attempt to prevent the NHS from ending Sudiksha’s life, they depleted their savings on legal fees. Despite their efforts, the NHS placed her on palliative care after a court ruling, and she tragically succumbed to kidney failure.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Mrs. Justice Roberts ruled that Sudiksha lacked the capacity to make decisions about her treatment. This ruling came after NHS lawyers argued that Sudiksha was “delusional” for disagreeing with the hospital’s belief that her condition was hopeless.
This decision was made despite contradictory testimonies provided by two psychiatrists.
She has a name.
Sudiksha Thirumalesh
Rest in peace. 🙏🏼
Shame on the @NHSuk and the courts for the treatment of you and your family. pic.twitter.com/90TCN4N3Yo
— Laurence Fox (@LozzaFox) September 22, 2023
This case bears similarities to previous cases involving Charlie Gard, Alfie Evans, and Archie Battersbee, where the NHS sought legal authorization to withdraw life-saving medical treatment.
Andrea Williams, chief of the Christian Legal Center, has called for a urgent reevaluation of how critical care decisions are made within the NHS and the courts.
The family is now seeking justice for Sudiksha and others in similar situations. They are requesting the disclosure of the names of the hospital, hospital trust, and clinicians involved in their daughter’s case.
Their fight continues, serving as a stark reminder of the imperative for transparency and accountability in healthcare decisions.
This tragic story highlights the significance of patient autonomy and the right to seek treatment, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It calls on all of us to take action to ensure that such heartbreaking incidents do not recur.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
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