Pregnant woman’s death: Two docs, two nurses suspended

Two doctors and two paramedical staff were suspended by health minister Siddharthnath Singh on Wednesday following an inquiry report on the death of a pregnant woman at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital on Sunday.

“Health department is like my family. But any member committing mistake will face action,” said the minister, announcing the suspension at a press conference.

Gynaecologists Dr Shalu Mahesh and Dr Shubra Singh along with nurses Arunima Srivastava and Renu Barnwal were placed under suspension. The action was based on a report by the director-general (medical health) and now a departmental inquiry will be initiated to fix accountability.

“After the death of Kalimo was reported, I visited Lohia hospital and met doctors, nurses and concluded that internal inquiry will not be sufficient. Therefore, I got it done by the D-G (medical health),” said the minister.

Kalimo, a resident of Gwari village, went to the hospital in pain on Saturday night but was returned without a doctor on duty attending her. On Sunday morning when the woman was again on way to the hospital, she died.

The minister said the state government was taking every possible step to improve the healthcare system in the state, including attendance of doctors and other medical staff. He also plans stern action against those doing private practice. “We wish doctors themselves take such steps that we don’t have to take action in this matter,” he added.