Medical negligence alleged after pregnant woman dies at Adilabad RIMS

Adilabad: Medical negligence has been alleged after a 31-year-old woman pregnant with twins died while undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Adilabad on Saturday. The incident has raised concerns over patient care at the government hospital, coming just a month after five infants died in a fire at its Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU).

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that an electrical short circuit in a window air-conditioning unit is suspected to have triggered a fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Adilabad, late Monday night, resulting in the deaths of three premature infants and critically injuring two others.

Also Read:RIMS Adilabad SNCU fire: 3 infants die, 2 remain critical

According to the news reports, the deceased, a native of Old Utnoor, was admitted to the hospital's gynaecology ward on October 21, when she was 33 weeks pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins. Hospital officials said that she had swelling in her palms and was under observation by doctors and hospital staff.

The medical team reportedly conducted tests and provided treatment based on her condition. However, on Saturday morning, the woman experienced breathing difficulties and lost consciousness. Doctors administered emergency treatment, including oxygen and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but could not save her. She died around 6.30 am. Doctors said she had suffered a pulmonary embolism, a condition in which a blood clot blocks blood flow, affecting her heart and blood vessels, TNIE reported.

Following the death, her husband, other relatives and leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged medical negligence at the hospital.

They claimed that she had been admitted with symptoms requiring medical attention but questioned whether she had received adequate care. The family also raised concerns over how a patient could die during treatment at a hospital equipped with medical facilities.

The allegations have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the treatment provided to her and the events preceding her death.

Speaking to TNIE, RIMS Director Dr Jai Singh Rathod said a three-member committee had been appointed to determine the cause of death. Action would be taken against doctors or other personnel found negligent after the committee submitted its report, he said. The director added that the woman had been admitted at seven months’ pregnancy without labour pains.

Meanwhile, Adilabad Two Town police confirmed that the woman’s family had lodged a complaint and that a case had been registered for investigation. She is survived by her husband and a daughter.

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