Kullu Hospital gynaecologist suspended over woman's death after childbirth

Kullu: A gynaecologist at the Regional Hospital in Kullu has been suspended by the state government following the death of a 23-year-old woman after childbirth, an incident that has sparked widespread public outrage and protests. 

The suspension order, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on June 30, placed a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology under immediate suspension pending a departmental inquiry. The action was taken under Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, following a report from the Director of Health Services recommending an inquiry into the circumstances of the death.

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During the suspension period, the doctor has been attached to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in Shimla and has been directed not to leave headquarters without permission from the competent authority.

The case involves a 23-year-old woman, a resident of Sunaru village in Mandi district, who was admitted to the Regional Hospital, Kullu for delivery. According to official records cited in the suspension order, she underwent a surgical procedure on June 21. However, her condition reportedly deteriorated shortly after the procedure, and she later died.

The patient’s family has alleged medical negligence by hospital staff, claiming that warnings about her worsening condition were not acted upon. They further alleged that a nurse dismissed their concerns, suggesting that the patient was exaggerating her distress.

The woman’s death triggered large-scale protests in Kullu, with local residents, social activists, and the victim’s family staging demonstrations outside the hospital. Protesters also blocked traffic at Dhalpur, demanding strict action against those responsible and a transparent investigation into the incident.

The agitation entered its second day of hunger strike on Tuesday, with family members among those participating. They have demanded suspension of the doctor as well as two nurses, alleging negligence in treatment led to the young woman’s death. 

Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Kullu, Sunder Singh Thakur, on Tuesday visited the protest site outside the Regional Hospital, where the victim’s family members and local residents have been staging a dharna. “A similar incident had occurred at Kullu Hospital in 2018, when a woman also died during an operation. However, the then government did not take any action,” Thakur said, reports The Indian Express.

Thakur said the current government had acted promptly by suspending the doctor and indicated that further suspensions of hospital staff could follow.

Addressing protesters outside the hospital, Thakur said misconduct by the doctor and paramedical staff was "completely unacceptable". "I spoke to the CM and urged strict action against the doctor and the two nurses whose names appear in the duty register," said Thakur, reports TOI.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with senior BJP leaders, also visited the hospital and met the grieving family. He assured support and demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the incident.

Following discussions with the family, the district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry led by the Kullu Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The Health Department has also constituted a separate committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the death and submit its findings.

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