'We are Canadian citizens, paid taxes': Fundraiser for Indian-origin man who died in Canada waiting at ER seeks justice

The fundraiser for Indian-origin Prashanth Sreekumar, the 44-year-old who died of cardiac arrest at a Canadian hospital after waiting eight hours at the emergency room for a doctor, not only intends to raise money for Prashanth's wife and three kids but also puts forward a strong message seeking justice. "Prashanth faced many challenges while building a life in Canada and Alberta, working hard to provide for his family and contribute positively to the community. No one should have to lose their life while seeking help in a moment of medical need. This devastating loss is not only a family tragedy—it raises serious concerns about emergency room wait times, patient safety, and accountability within our healthcare system. Prashanth’s wife has courageously spoken out, asking the difficult but necessary question: Who will take responsibility?" the fundraiser said, asking for a transparent and independent investigation. Prashanth Sreekumar began his day like any other day, went to the office but had to be admitted to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton after he complained of severe chest pain. His wife Niharika narrated that his pain was unbearable and he was unable to speak. But the staff performed an ECG and said there were no abnormalities, and was asked to wait. They waited for eight hours for a doctor while Prashanth's blood pressure jumped to 210. When the doctor finally attended to him, Prashanth collapsed and died shortly after. As the incident grabbed headlines and Canada's healthcare system came under fire, many India-haters on social media called the Indian family invaders and said they should have stayed in India. “We are all Canadian citizens. We have worked and paid so much into the tax bucket in this country and the one time Prashant needed medical help, he was not given it,” Niharika said. Niharika used to work as an accountant but she left her job as their youngest child needs 24/7 care, Calgary Herald reported.