Pregnant woman dies due to ‘medical negligence’ in Odisha’s Keonjhar

A case of alleged medical negligence triggered tension at Keonjhar district headquarters hospital (DHH) after a pregnant woman died on Sunday shortly after childbirth.

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The deceased woman, identified as Pinki Sahu from Turumunga, was admitted on Saturday morning and delivered a baby girl following an evening surgery.

According to the complaint filed by her husband at the Town Police Station, Pinki had developed severe pain around midnight. Despite repeated calls from the attending nurse, an on-duty doctor allegedly did not arrive. 

The nurse reportedly administered an injection, but Pinki’s condition worsened, and she was declared ‘dead’ at around 2.00 AM.

Family members of the woman grew suspicious after the nurse issued a death certificate without a doctor’s signature, fueling unrest in the hospital premises. Police rushed to the spot, with the Sadar SDPO and Town PS Inspector conducting an on-site inquiry.

Authorities have assured strict action. The SDPO stated that the exact cause of death will be known after a post-mortem, while the ADM&HO confirmed that action will be taken against those found responsible once the investigation concludes.

“Saline was being administered when she suffered labour pain. Nurses came and gave her an injection. I reported to the nurses that she was having severe pain. My brother-in-law, who was present there, also brought it to their attention. Later, they checked her BP and took her (to the labour room),” the woman’s younger sister, Priyanka Sahu, said.

“After some time, the nurses told us that she (Pinki) had died,” Priyanka expressed.

“A woman from Turumunga had come yesterday for her delivery. She had delivered a child and was in her bed. She fell sick late at night and died. The woman’s family complained that she had not been given proper treatment,” Sadar SDPO, Sudarshan Gangoi, stated.