MP: Two doctors, nurses suspended over maternal death in Rewa

Rewa, Aug 28 (IANS) Two doctors and two nursing officers have been suspended following the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa. The action came after the family alleged negligence and misconduct during treatment.

A committee of senior doctors has been constituted to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. A video showing hospital staff holding the woman’s hands while she cried for help went viral on social media (IANS does not confirm its authenticity).

The deceased, Kalpana Mishra, a resident of Hatwa village in Rewa district, was admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the hospital at around 2:38 a.m. on August 26. Both mother and child died during treatment at approximately 11:55 p.m. the same day.

Hospital records indicated that her condition was critical at the time of admission. She was diagnosed with a term pregnancy complicated by severe pre-eclampsia and other complications. Treatment was initiated as per established protocol.

Following a complaint from the family, the Health Department acted swiftly. In the preliminary investigation, Sonal Agarwal of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and Nidhi Pandey of the Anaesthesia Department were suspended on charges of gross negligence and indiscipline. Two nursing officers were also suspended based on allegations of misconduct with the family.

On the request of relatives, a joint post-mortem examination of the woman and her unborn child was conducted by a team from the District Hospital and the Medical College. After completing formalities, both bodies were sent to their native village in a hearse.

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, who has taken a serious view of the matter, ordered an impartial investigation. He stated that negligence in sensitive treatment of patients would not be tolerated. He emphasised that patients and their families must be treated with respect and that established treatment protocols must be strictly followed.

Further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry committee once its report is received. The case has drawn attention to the need for accountability in critical care, especially in maternal health services.

–IANS

sktr/dan