Birajakhetra: A 25-year-old pregnant woman died soon after childbirth at the Jajpur district headquarters hospital here Tuesday, with furious relatives assaulting the duty doctor accusing him of medical negligence.
The woman had a complicated delivery and died soon after giving birth to a boy.
Irate relatives of the deceased woman thrashed a doctor and confined him inside a room on the hospital premises. On being alerted, Jajpur IIC Kamal Lochan Bhuiyan reached the spot and rescued the doctor. Bhuiyan pacified the angry mob and brought the situation under control. The angry mob relented after Bhuiyan assured them of a proper investigation and steps against the doctor.
A case was registered in this connection and an investigation into the matter was launched.
According to sources, Smita Ranil, wife of Ramesh Nayak of Kodandapur village, was admitted to the district headquarters hospital after she went into labour Tuesday. Doctor in-charge Barendranath Jena admitted Smita to the labour ward for delivery. Later, Smita gave birth to a baby boy. Smita was later sent to the common ward.
However, Smita’s health soon took a downturn. Anxious family members searched for Jena but in vain. They later approached chief district medical officer Phanindra Kumar Panigrahy who called up Jena. However, Jena did not answer the call. Meanwhile, Smita’s condition deteriorated further. Later, a nurse attended to Smita and administered her an injection. However, Smita soon succumbed to her complications.
The incident triggered tension among Smita’s relatives who stormed into the hospital and later spotted Jena inside a clinic room. They dragged him out and thrashed him before locking him in a bathroom.
Relatives alleged Smita’s condition was normal after the delivery. However, she experienced uneasiness after being administered an injection by a doctor identified as Digambar Mahapatra. Mahapatra was absconding after the incident.
“We are investigating the matter and will soon suspend the doctors if the allegations are found to be true,” CDMO Panigrahy said. Local MLA and energy minister Pranab Prakash Dash reached the hospital and held a discussion with the medical authorities. He assured of stern action against the accused doctors, sources said. PNN
