MP suspends two doctors after pregnant woman, unborn child die at Rewa hospital
Two doctors and two nursing staff members have been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, officials said on Friday.
The deceased, Kalpana Mishra, a resident of Hatwa village in Rewa, was admitted to Gandhi Memorial Hospital in the early hours of August 26. She and her unborn child died at 11:55 p.m. the same day, according to an official release.
Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla ordered a probe into the incident after the family alleged misbehaviour by doctors and negligence in her treatment.
The preliminary inquiry found prima facie negligence and indiscipline on the part of duty doctor Dr. Sonal Agrawal of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and Dr. Nidhi Pandey of the Anaesthesia Department. Both have been suspended. Two nurses were also suspended following complaints of misbehaviour from the family.
Medical records showed that Mishra's platelet count was around 30,000 per microlitre, significantly lower than the normal range. She also had severely high blood pressure and elevated liver enzymes, indicating a high-risk pregnancy.
She was diagnosed with a term pregnancy complicated by severe disorders, and necessary medical procedures were initiated, the release said. However, the family's allegations prompted authorities to constitute an inquiry committee comprising senior doctors.
"Sensitive and respectful behaviour towards patients and their families, along with adherence to prescribed medical protocols, is of the highest priority. No negligence in this regard will be accepted," Deputy CM Shukla said.
At the family's request, post-mortem examinations of the deceased woman and her unborn child were conducted by a joint team from the district hospital and medical college in Rewa. Further investigations are underway.
