Stillbirth Delivery: Gynaecologists, Nurses sentenced to 2-year jail, directed to pay Rs 50k fine, Rs 1 lakh compensation

According to a recent report by HT, the case that goes back to 2011 came to light when Bhagwan Daulat Wakode, the driver of Aundh Hospital, filed a complaint with Sangvi Police Station. On November 30, 2010, the complainant's (then 22-year-old) daughter was admitted to the hospital for delivery while experiencing abdominal pain.

It was alleged that despite reporting her discomfort, the doctors did not pay heed to her abdominal pain while the nurses failed to communicate the critical information to the doctors. The woman gave birth to a stillborn due to the alleged negligence of the said doctors and nurses.

Aggrieved, a complaint was filed by the Wakode with the Sangvi police. Action by the police led to the collection of technical and circumstantial evidence, which resulted in the filing of a charge sheet in the court. During the course of action, opinion of experts from the Sassoon General Hospital were sought.

On July 22, 2011 the expert committee, in its report stated that negligence on the part of the staff was responsible for the stillbirth. Based on the report, the staff was booked under section 304 A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Also Read: IPC 304 A: 3 Doctors Booked After Patient Dies Due To Anaesthesia Overdose

Subsequently, the court found the accused guilty, and sentenced them to 2 years imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000 each and Rs 1 lakh compensation.

“During the court proceedings, the required evidence and proofs were provided without any delay or lacunae. Due to the excellent investigation of the Sangvi police, we were able to help the victim mother get justice," Deputy commissioner of police, Kakasaheb Dole, zone 2, Pimpri-Chinchwad police, told HT.

Commenting on the matter, Dr Nagnath Yempalay, district civil surgeon and head of ADH, stated that the case is a criminal case and the hospital administration has no role to play after the court verdict.

“The three nurses are still working with ADH and the two doctors are no longer with the hospital. Both the doctors have retired from services,” he added.