Kerala: 3 doctors booked under section 304(A) of IPC over death of woman, newborn at Palakkad Hospital

Palakkad: Three doctors of a private hospital at Yakkara, Palakkad have been booked for their alleged medical negligence that led to the death of a 25-year-old woman and her newborn baby. 

The case was registered after a complaint was filed by the family of the woman who alleged that Aishwarya, 25, a resident of Thathamangalam, and her newborn baby died due to medical negligence. The woman was admitted to Thangam hospital in Yakkara a few days ago on June 29 after complaining of labour pain and the doctors found that the pregnancy was complicated. 

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The woman died on Monday which led to huge protests by her kin who alleged medical negligence on the part of the doctors who treated her, and they stated that they were not even informed about the complications. They protested in front of the hospital for over 5 hours demanding the arrest of the doctors. 

The kin of the woman besieged the hospital after the hospital confirmed the death of Aishwarya who was under treatment in the Critical Care Unit, reports the Manorama. They said that they would not withdraw and disperse until the doctor who caused the medical negligence was arrested. 

The family of the woman told the media that even though the doctors initially preferred a C-section surgery, they later advised normal delivery. After the family saw the deteriorating condition of the woman, they told the doctors that she needed a C-section surgery. However, it is alleged that the doctors attempted to deliver the baby through vacuum extraction, which led to umbilical cord strangulation that resulted in the child's death on Sunday, reports The News Minute.

Aishwarya's husband, Ranjith told media persons that she required a C-section surgery, however, the two doctors who treated her were allegedly on leave that day. He added that the doctors did not perform the surgery despite the requests made by the family, and alleged that the senior doctors delayed seeing her until it was too late. 

One of the relatives said that they were told about the birth of a baby boy but was told that he did not cry immediately. The doctors initially told them that the issue could be sorted out but after a few hours, the family was informed of the baby's death. 

Aishwarya's sister told the media that the reason behind the baby's death was told as umbilical cord strangulation. The doctors also said that unidentified bleeding was detected in Aishwarya's body that caused complications, and an operation was required to identify the cause of the bleeding. But the relative said, "However, after the operation, they said that her uterus was removed." The family members alleged that Aishwarya's uterus was removed without the consent of her relatives and they were approached for the consent after the procedure was completed.

Her family alleged that the news of Aishwarya's death was not conveyed to them until the morning of Monday before she passed away. They further alleged that the baby's body was buried by the hospital officials in a rushed manner. 

Senior police officials and revenue authorities reached the spot after the relatives refused to hand over the body for post-mortem examination. The protesting relatives were pacified by the authorities assuring stringent action if lapses are found during the post-mortem. Aishwarya's mortal remains were shifted to the District Hospital amid protests. The baby's body, which was hurriedly buried by the hospital was exhumed and sent for autopsy. 

The autopsy report revealed that the newborn infant died owing to the cord entanglement around the neck, and the relatives of the woman alleged that this itself reveals medical negligence. 

Three doctors have been booked under IPC Section 304(a) (Causing death by negligence), said the police. The relatives were refusing to disperse until the collector arrives, the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) talked to the family members and assured them of action against those who are found guilty. 

An expert committee comprising DMO, paediatrician, gynaecologist, General Medicine Director, Government Pleader and Thrissur Medical College's forensic surgeon has been formed who would investigate and submit a report on the matter. The police would submit a request to this effect to the District Medical Officer. A further course of action would be decided based on the report. Meanwhile, Minister K Krishnankutty said that necessary actions would be taken against the doctors if they are found guilty. 

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