Woman's death during childbirth at Kottayam MCH sparks negligence allegations

The woman passed away while delivering her baby, but the newborn girl was safely delivered through emergency surgery. However, due to breathing difficulties, the baby has currently been placed on a ventilator.

The deceased has been identified as Pheba Jose, wife of Aneesh, who resided at Polayil House in Omanappuzha, Alappuzha. This was Pheba's second pregnancy; her family consists of her husband and a seven-year-old son, Aidan.

She was receiving prenatal care at the 'Women and Children's Hospital' in Alappuzha. In the fifth month of her pregnancy, when doctors suspected swelling in the fetus's intestines, she was referred to Kottayam Medical College.

According to the deceased’s family, Pheba was admitted to the hospital on Sunday. However, by Sunday evening, she had gone into labor, and finally, late at night, she was taken to the delivery room, according to KeralacKaumudi.

By Monday morning, doctors informed the family that an emergency Cesarean section was required. Later, hospital officials stated that she suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure.

Following her death, an autopsy was conducted by a three-member panel of doctors at Kottayam Medical College.

However, her relatives claim that her death was caused by delays in the decision to perform surgery, as well as general professional lapses. Therefore, the family has submitted formal complaints to the Chief Minister, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Hospital Superintendent, and the Kottayam Police.

Meanwhile, Dr Varghese P Punnoose, Principal of Kottayam Medical College, has ordered an immediate internal inquiry. A multi-disciplinary team comprising the heads of the departments of Gynaecology, Cardiology, Forensic Medicine, Pediatrics, and General Medicine has been constituted to submit a preliminary report.