Elon Musk Slams Canada’s Healthcare After Indian-Origin Man Dies Waiting 8 Hours In Hospital

The deceased, identified as 44-year-old Prashant Sreekumar, was rushed to the Grey Nuns Community Hospital. (File)

Tech mogul Elon Musk has slammed the Canadian healthcare system after a 44-year-old Indian-origin man died of suspected cardiac arrest after waiting for over eight hours for treatment at a hospital in Canada’s Edmonton.

The deceased, identified as 44-year-old Prashant Sreekumar, was rushed to the Grey Nuns Community Hospital in southeast Edmonton on December 22 after complaining of severe chest pain while at work. A client drove him to the hospital, where he was triaged, given an ECG and Tylenol, and asked to wait. Despite repeatedly reporting intense pain, staff said there was nothing significant.

After waiting for over eight hours, Prashant was called into the emergency room. However, moments after sitting down, he collapsed. Nurses immediately called for help, but Prashant could not be revived. He died in front of his father, leaving behind his wife and three children aged three, 10 and 14.

A video of his grieving wife accusing the hospital of negligence surfaced on social media.

In the video, Niharika Sreekumar is seen standing beside her husband’s body, alleging that prolonged delays and lack of timely medical care at Grey Nuns Community Hospital led to his death.

While responding to the video, Musk said, “When the government does medical care, it is about as good as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).” He hit out at Canada’s healthcare system by comparing it to the US motor vehicle department, which is criticised by many for its inefficiency.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also flagged the case — asking the Canadian government to “take responsibility” for the situation. Responding to media queries, the MEA clarified that while the deceased was of Indian origin, he was a Canadian national.

“The individual was of Indian origin but a Canadian citizen. The Canadian government should take responsibility in this matter,” the MEA said.