In Leningrad Oblast, a pensioner with cancer did not receive help because of coronavirus — and performed surgery on herself. Authorities have launched an investigation

In Vyborg in the Leningrad Region, an elderly woman with cancer performed surgery on herself without waiting for medical assistance. This was written on VKontakte by Victoria Shutova, an ambulance worker in Vyborg.

According to Shutova, the woman is a participant in the Great Patriotic War and the siege of Leningrad. Oncological disease caused her complications in the form of ascites , but due to the coronavirus, she was unable to receive timely help.

Because of this, the woman cut her stomach with a knife to release the fluid that had accumulated in it. Since she was unsure of the outcome of her actions, she left a farewell letter to her daughter and grandchildren.

The injured woman is currently in hospital.

The Leningrad Region Health Committee said that the agency is conducting an investigation into the incident. "According to our information, the planned operation did not take place due to the woman's problems with the tests. She was diagnosed with coronavirus, so the surgery had to be postponed. The grandmother is now receiving all the necessary assistance," the agency emphasized.