Inquiry launched after woman dies following childbirth at Ballia CHC
Uttar Pradesh: An inquiry has been ordered into the death of a woman following childbirth at the Sonbarsa Community Health Centre (CHC) in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district after her family alleged medical negligence.
The incident led to protests at the hospital, following which police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Officials said the matter is under investigation, adding that the absence of a post-mortem examination makes it difficult to determine the exact cause of death or establish whether any medical negligence occurred.
According to Dainik Bhaskar, the woman was admitted to the Sonbarsa CHC on Monday for delivery. Her family alleged that no female doctor was available at the hospital and that the delivery was conducted by an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM).
The family further claimed that the woman's condition began deteriorating after childbirth, but she was not provided timely medical treatment or referred promptly to a higher healthcare facility.
They alleged that she was later referred to the District Hospital. After receiving initial treatment there, doctors referred her to a hospital in Mau for advanced care. According to the family, she was examined at a private hospital while being transported to Mau, where doctors declared her dead.
The relatives later returned to the CHC and staged a protest, accusing the hospital staff of negligence.
Police said the deceased's family submitted a written request stating that they did not wish to conduct a post-mortem examination. Officials noted that, without a post-mortem, the actual cause of death cannot be conclusively determined. They said the allegations made by the family and the hospital's version will both be examined during the inquiry, and further action, if required, will be taken based on the findings.
The hospital administration, however, denied the allegations. Officials said the delivery was conducted safely and that the newborn is healthy. They stated that when the woman's condition deteriorated after delivery, she was immediately provided first aid and referred to the District Hospital, from where she was advised to undergo further treatment at a higher centre.
According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, the Station House Officer stated that since the family declined a post-mortem examination, the exact cause of death and the allegation of medical negligence cannot be confirmed at this stage. Police said the investigation is continuing, and any further action will depend on the inquiry findings and available medical evidence.
