Hospital Takes Action Following Tragic Patient Death
The in-charge of the Labour Room at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag has been removed from duty following a high-level enquiry committee's investigation into the death of a pregnant woman. The committee found the medical officer guilty of negligence in the case that has raised serious concerns about patient care standards.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
The incident began on Sunday, November 2, when Babli Kumari, a pregnant woman, allegedly died at the government hospital. According to official statements, the situation escalated when both the patient and her child died during treatment.
Hospital Superintendent A K Purti revealed that trouble erupted following the tragic incident. He received information that the patient's relatives had initially taken her to a private hospital from the government facility. Later, they brought Babli Kumari's body back to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital and created a stir, alleging that the woman died due to medical negligence by hospital staff.
At that time, the hospital authorities had denied these allegations, setting the stage for an official investigation.
Investigation and Consequences
In response to the serious allegations, on Monday, November 3, Superintendent Purti constituted a high-level team of senior doctors to investigate the circumstances surrounding Babli Kumari's death. The committee conducted a thorough review of the case and submitted its findings.
According to the investigation report, the labour room in-charge was found guilty of misconduct. The hospital administration immediately removed her from labour room duties as disciplinary action. Superintendent Purti confirmed that a new in-charge would be posted to the position very soon to ensure proper patient care continues.
However, the hospital superintendent refused to divulge any additional details about the enquiry committee's specific findings or identify the doctors who conducted the investigation, maintaining confidentiality around the internal proceedings.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare accountability and patient safety protocols in government medical facilities, particularly in sensitive departments like labour rooms where both mother and child lives are at stake.
