Our experience with Dr. Prashant Dhreendhar at Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta was extremely distressing and deeply disappointing.
We had been consulting multiple doctors for my mother’s kidney condition for over 1.5 years, but this was by far the most traumatic experience. Both Dr. Prashant and his junior, Dr. Reshma, displayed communication that felt harsh, insensitive, and lacking empathy during a very critical phase of our lives.
In January 2026, when we brought our mother to the hospital, she was already weak. Without thoroughly reviewing basic investigations like CBC (which later revealed dangerously low platelet levels), dialysis was immediately recommended. Trusting the doctor, we proceeded—but after a few sessions, her condition worsened significantly, with severe weakness and breathlessness.
In the first week of February, she was admitted again. A biopsy was suggested, despite the doctor himself acknowledging it to be painful, and no sufficient effort was made to explore less invasive alternatives. From the beginning, dialysis appeared to be the primary course of action—even when her creatinine level was around 4 and her overall condition was fragile.
During dialysis sessions, her blood pressure repeatedly dropped, and only temporary corrective measures were taken instead of addressing the underlying cause proactively.
On March 1st, I personally took the initiative to get a CBC test done, which shockingly revealed her platelet count had dropped to 5000. She was immediately shifted to ICU. From that point onward, communication became extremely discouraging, with repeated emphasis on worst-case outcomes such as ventilator support, often conveyed in an insensitive and fear-inducing manner.
Despite multiple tests, only traces of Tuberculosis were identified, and there was no confirmed evidence of any tumour. However, we were repeatedly told that it could be a tumour, which caused immense emotional distress. We were even directed to consult a haematology specialist, Dr. Neema Bhat, who was asked to communicate that it was “mostly a tumour,” despite the absence of confirmatory reports.
This consistent suggestion of a serious diagnosis without evidence created unnecessary trauma for our family. Throughout the process, we felt repeatedly pressured, not only by the primary doctor but also through his junior and other hospital staff.
At one point, when no tumour evidence could be established, the doctor himself stated that he primarily handles nephrology, particularly dialysis. This further raised concerns about the earlier diagnostic direction and decisions taken.
Even when her creatinine levels had reduced to 1.8, dialysis continued. Despite knowing her blood pressure would drop, dialysis sessions were conducted without adequate precautions, including lack of proper nutritional preparation.
We were also asked to provide written confirmation if we did not agree to ventilator support, which added immense emotional pressure .Through another doctor, we were indirectly told that survival chances on a ventilator were very low.
When we decided to move forward with another senior doctor, Dr. Gokulnath, our mother was placed on a ventilator without what we perceived as proper and informed consent. This decision felt pre-determined and deeply distressing to us, especially since it appeared to align with a course of action that had been indicated from the very beginning of ICU admission.
Throughout this journey, there was a consistent lack of empathy, poor communication, and limited transparency regarding treatment decisions, medications, and care plans. Once we expressed concerns or questioned decisions, the behaviour of the doctor and his team became more dismissive and uncooperative.
The distress extended beyond medical treatment—interactions with ICU staff, security personnel, and coordinators were also stressful and added to the overall trauma.
In the end, we lost our mother at the age of 63 after immense physical, emotional, and financial suffering, with hospital expenses amounting to ₹8.7 lakhs.
With a heavy heart, I am sharing this so that other families remain cautious while choosing healthcare providers. Compassion, ethical responsibility, evidence-based diagnosis, clear communication, and patient-centered care are just as important as medical expertise—and sadly, these were deeply lacking in our experience.