Kolkata Hospital Shifts Ailing Japanese Scholar — A visiting Japanese scholar, Micihihiro Kata (75), who fell critically ill in the city, was transferred this week from a private hospital to the government-run Medical College Kolkata after one month of intensive treatment without any family support or approval for ongoing medical costs.
Kata, a writer and researcher, had come to Kolkata in June to deliver a lecture under the auspices of the J. Krishnamurthy Foundation. He was admitted to a private facility in Dhakuria with respiratory distress and later diagnosed with multiple complications: kidney failure, severe anemia, and an E. coli infection.
Medical Journey and Complications
On June 25, the scholar was admitted and initially placed on non-invasive ventilation. He was later intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation due to declining lung function. With kidney damage, he underwent sustained low-efficiency dialysis. He continued to have severe anemia needing blood transfusions.
An endoscopy revealed a narrowing in the second part of the duodenum caused by external compression; a metallic stent was noted exiting from the papilla. Excelling in complex diagnostics, hospital staff turned off ventilation by June 28. Despite initial refusal, he began alternate-day dialysis on July 1 and remains anuric with ongoing abdominal pain, monitored closely through tomographic scans and continued dialysis sessions.
Isolation and Lack of Support
Despite repeated efforts by hospital staff and the local chapter of the J. Krishnamurthy Foundation, no next of kin could be located. Sources say Micihihiro Kata lived alone in Japan and had no family able or willing to intervene.
Foundation representatives reached out to the Japanese consulate in Kolkata and the Japanese embassy in New Delhi, but received no response. It remains unclear if any official assistance was provided. A hospital spokesperson confirmed that clinical care continued uninterrupted even without personal oversight.
Transfer to Government Medical College
On Thursday, following regulatory oversight by the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC), the patient was formally moved from the private hospital to Medical College Kolkata (MCH). He is no longer requiring supplemental oxygen and is under continued dialysis and care.
Institutional Response and Oversight
The WBCERC acknowledged being informed of the transition and affirmed that hospital transfers must follow protocol when a patient lacks financial support or family involvement. Multiple officials confirmed the hospital’s cooperation and compliance.
The Japanese consulate reportedly made a hospital visit, but no further coordination regarding his repatriation or financial aid can be confirmed.
International and Cultural Dimensions
This case reflects broader challenges that elderly international scholars can face when traveling without close personal support. Foreign visitors—especially those venturing independently—depend heavily on local institutions and sometimes find no backup should emergencies arise.
It also highlights vulnerabilities in event management and hospitality arrangements for visiting academics.
Reflections from Civil Society
Local observers have questioned the responsibility of hosts—specifically the J. Krishnamurthy Foundation—for ensuring logistical and financial preparedness for visiting speakers. Similarly, advocates for elderly citizens have noted the systemic gaps in ensuring welfare for vulnerable visitors without clear contingencies.
Medical professionals have reiterated the importance of establishing standardized support systems, especially for foreign doctoral and research professionals visiting Indian institutions.
Looking Ahead: Health and Financial Uncertainty
Kata remains in serious but stable condition. His medical expenses continue to accrue; hospitalization in government care significantly lowers the cost burden, yet the question of repatriation or international insurance coverage remains unresolved.
Moving forward, officials and medical staff have expressed hope that either family members or the Japanese authorities step forward to make long-term plans for his care and possible travel back to Japan.
Kolkata Hospital Shifts Ailing Japanese Scholar: External References
For further context, here are respected resources that provide insight into hospital operations and international patient protocols:
- Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research & SSKM Hospital, Kolkata (public medical institution managing patient care): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPGMER_and_SSKM_Hospital
- Medical College Hospital, Kolkata — Government-run facility providing care under regulatory supervision: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._G._Kar_Medical_College_and_Hospital
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
