Space and technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has sharply criticised Canada’s public healthcare system after the death of a 44-year-old Indian-origin man who reportedly waited more than eight hours for medical attention at a hospital in Edmonton.
The man, Prashant Sreekumar, died of a suspected cardiac arrest. According to his family, he remained in the waiting area of Grey Nuns Community Hospital despite repeatedly complaining of severe chest pain. A video shared by his wife — describing how staff allegedly failed to act urgently — went viral and sparked widespread outrage.
Reacting to the incident on X, Musk wrote:
“When the government does medical care, it is about as good as the DMV.”
By comparing it to the US Department of Motor Vehicles — often criticised for inefficiency — Musk suggested that government-run healthcare systems can become slow and unresponsive.
When the government does medical care, it is about as good as the DMV https://t.co/kRdlL3idyF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2025
Hours of waiting, rising pain — and tragedy
Family members said Sreekumar arrived at the hospital around 12:15 pm on December 22 and was placed in the triage area shortly afterward. Despite worsening symptoms and blood pressure reportedly touching 210, he was allegedly given only basic pain medication. Staff reportedly said the situation did not appear to be an acute cardiac emergency.
His father, Kumar Sreekumar, recalled that Prashant described the pain as “15 out of 10.” Although an ECG reportedly showed no immediate danger, the family says treatment continued to be delayed. When he was finally moved inside for further care, he collapsed almost instantly and could not be revived.
His wife, Niharika Sreekumar, said:
“He stood up for barely a second and collapsed. The nurse said she couldn’t feel a pulse.”
Case draws diplomatic attention
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has sought accountability from Canadian authorities and urged a thorough investigation. Sreekumar leaves behind his wife and three young children, deepening public concern over emergency care delays and hospital crowding in Canada.
As the debate grows, Musk’s comments have reignited global discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of government-managed healthcare systems — and the devastating consequences when emergency care fails.