When Diwan Jhand’s wife Neena suffered a heart attack last month, the family was dumbfounded.
“It was hard. We were shocked,” said Jhand. “She was very strong and healthy. In 30 years of marriage she was only sick for a day and a half.”
Worse, doctors at the University of Alberta Hospital told him the heart attack deprived Neena’s brain of oxygen, causing irreparable harm.
Even after emergency heart surgery doctors did not expect his wife to live, he said.
Since then Neena has been on life support, changing little day to day.
Diwan Jhand (right) and his brother-in-laws talk about why they want to keep Neena Jhand on life support. (CBC)
But once Jhand started using homeopathic massage oils from India on Neena’s skin, he says something happened.
Neena seemed to respond.
“She started moving her hands, opening her eyes,” Jhand said. “We got excited because she was coming back.”
Doctors, however, maintain the movement was merely reflexes from being touched.
A few weeks ago, after another surgery, the moment Jhand had been dreading came.
Doctors told him Neena was to be removed from life support.
Jhand refused.
“I won’t let her go,” he said. “She’s going to survive. I’m 100 per cent sure, because she’s my wife. I know every part of her body. She’s coming out everyday.”
He said he won’t give up not only because he loves her, but also that he owes her a debt.
Eight years ago, Jhand fell unconscious, struck down by a heart attack and it was Neena who saved his life, he said.
Jhand hired a lawyer and filed for an injunction to keep Neena on life support.
He won a 30-day injunction.
Jhand said he’s happy with the care his wife has received, but feels there was too much pressure to take his wife off life support.
He would like doctors to allow the patient’s family to make the call.
“Let the families decide. Give them a chance,” Jhand said. “This is a democratic country and the patient has all the rights.”
He said if Neena is still not awake when the 30-day injunction ends, Diwan plans to file another.
So far the legal battle has cost him $13,000, but Jhand is undeterred.
“I want more time because this homeopathic medicine has proven it works, and I need six to eight months to prove it.”
Alberta Health Services would not comment, but is considering whether it will appeal the injunction.