Ibagué Grandfather’s Family Demands Answers Over Alleged Medical Negligence

Elderly Man Awaits Ambulance for Nearly an Hour After Fall

An incident in Ibagué has raised concerns about emergency response times. An elderly resident of the Ciudadela Comfenalco neighborhood suffered a fall in his home early Sunday morning, July 27.

His family reported that multiple calls to the emergency service were met with significant delays. The ambulance reportedly took nearly 40 minutes to arrive at the scene.

The initial emergency call was placed around 4:24 a.m., but the ambulance did not reach the residence until approximately 5:10 a.m. Family members expressed distress as their loved one remained unattended for an extended period.

Reports suggest the delay was attributed to the lack of available ambulances, with the only unit reportedly being in Boquerón and needing time to reach the location.

Disclaimer: This article reports on allegations of delayed emergency services. Facts regarding the specific response times and reasons for the delay have not been independently verified.

What are your thoughts on the response times for emergency services in your community? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

What specific evidence does the Pérez family believe supports their claim that Clínica Los Andes deviated from the accepted standard of care?

The Case: A Timeline of Events

The family of 82-year-old Ricardo Pérez,a resident of Ibagué,Colombia,is publicly demanding a thorough examination into what they allege was negligent care leading to his recent,unexpected decline in health. The situation, unfolding over the past month, centers around treatment received at the Clínica Los Andes in Ibagué. The family claims a misdiagnosis and delayed treatment contributed significantly to their grandfather’s current critical condition.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events, as reported by family spokesperson, Elena Ramirez:

June 15th, 2025: Ricardo Pérez initially presented to Clínica Los Andes complaining of persistent chest pain and shortness of breath.

June 16th – 20th, 2025: Initial examinations were conducted, and Mr. Pérez was diagnosed with gastritis. He was prescribed antacids and sent home. The family alleges a crucial cardiac evaluation was overlooked.

June 25th, 2025: Mr. Pérez’s condition rapidly deteriorated. He experienced severe difficulty breathing and was rushed back to clínica los Andes.

June 26th, 2025: Further testing revealed a previously undetected heart condition requiring immediate intervention.

July 10th, 2025 – Present: Mr. Pérez remains hospitalized in critical condition, undergoing intensive care.

allegations of Medical Negligence: What the family Claims

the Pérez family’s core argument revolves around the concept of medical malpractice and negligent diagnosis. They believe the initial misdiagnosis and the failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests – specifically,an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly a stress test – constitute a breach of the standard of care expected of medical professionals.

Specifically, the family is focusing on these points:

Failure to Properly Assess Symptoms: The initial dismissal of chest pain and shortness of breath as mere gastritis, despite Mr. Pérez’s age and risk factors.

delayed Diagnosis: The notable delay in identifying the underlying heart condition, which the family believes allowed the condition to worsen.

Lack of Informed Consent: The family asserts they were not adequately informed about the potential risks and benefits of the initial treatment plan, or the possibility of alternative diagnoses.

Potential for Preventable Harm: The family contends that with a timely and accurate diagnosis,their grandfather’s current health crisis could have been avoided.

Understanding Medical Negligence in Colombia

Colombian law, governed by the Civil Code and specific regulations regarding healthcare, recognizes the right to adequate medical care. responsabilidad médica (medical liability) can be established if a healthcare provider’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.

Key elements required to prove medical negligence in Colombia include:

1. Duty of Care: A doctor-patient relationship existed, establishing a legal duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty: The healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury.
4. Damages: The patient suffered quantifiable damages (medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering).

Legal Action and Investigation Demands

The Pérez family has retained legal counsel and is demanding a full and clear investigation by the Defensoría del Pueblo (Office of the Ombudsman) and the Superintendencia Nacional de Salud (National Health Superintendency).They are seeking:

Access to Medical Records: Complete and unredacted access to Mr. Pérez’s medical records from Clínica Los Andes.

Independent Medical Review: An independent review of the case by a panel of cardiology experts.

Accountability: Identification and accountability for any healthcare professionals found to have acted negligently.

* Compensation: financial compensation to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and the emotional distress caused by the alleged negligence.

Clínica Los Andes’ Response

Clínica Los Andes has issued a brief statement acknowledging the family’s concerns.they state they are cooperating