A conglomeration of NGOs from Williamnagar has written a complaint against two nurses and a doctor who were in the labour room of Williamnagar Civil Hospital, citing medical negligence during a case of premature delivery.
The complaint relates to one Pipi Sangma, a resident of Upper Balsrigittim, Williamnagar, who was admitted to the hospital for institutional delivery. A letter to the effect was submitted today to the Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills.
The NGOs alleged that the patient and her aunt, Belnitha Sangma, had claimed that the newborn had been dropped or fell into a dustbin.
“The incident was at first hidden but later became public knowledge. Moreover one particular nurse had argued with the patient’s sister and threatened that if they complained to authorities, they would either receive partial treatment and service. She even went the next morning, February 14, and argued with the mother till she broke into tears and even wanted to end her life,” said the NGOs.
The NGOs asserted that they have received several complaints about being treated rudely and harshly by the medical staff and it was this kind of behaviour that would discourage people from institutional deliveries – something that the DC had been promoting.
Seeking an inquiry into the matter, the NGOs sought firm action against those involved in the incident while adding that multiple cases of negligence and misconduct have gone unreported.
However, vehemently denying the allegations, the District Medical and Health Officer asserted that there was no case of negligence that took place.
“I am well aware of what happened. The woman was only into the sixth month of her pregnancy and had no tests done till she was admitted. When she complained of pains, she was taken to the labour room where two nurses and a doctor were overseeing the entire operation,” said the official.
According to reports, the labour was precipitated and the mother’s placenta suddenly burst with the amniotic fluid splashing all over the nurses. In their surprise, the nurses let out a scream, which was taken as a scolding.
“The baby was delivered in the placenta and fell into the medical bin that was kept right by the side of the bed. Our first focus was on the mother and in ensuring her placenta was detached and sealed or the mother’s life would have been in danger. It was only later that we saw the child who had fallen into the medical bin,” added the DMHO.
The child, according to the hospital, was only 900 grammes at birth and had to be shifted to the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) before being transferred to an incubator. While the condition of the child is still critical, the doctors are doing their bit in trying to save the baby, the DMHO said.
“There was no question of any abuse and the doctor was present to assist in the delivery. When they wanted to take the child from the hospital the next day, we refused due to the condition and sought a letter from the family before we released the child but they were unwilling to do so,” added the DMHO.
The DC, Swapnil Tembe, had earlier stated that the matter would be investigated.
