Shillong, June 6: The Health department has warned of appropriate action against the guilty personnel, if any, in the recent death of a pregnant woman at Jowai even as the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) asked the department to probe the matter.
The woman, Pynche Bareh, died at Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jowai on the night of June 4, a day after her admission at the hospital after being referred from Sutnga CHC.
“If the inquiry reveals any negligence or failure in clinical care, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned personnel,” LE Kharsahnoh, director of Health Service (MCH & FW), told reporters here on Friday.
Referring to reported allegations of negligence, she said, “The root cause analysis is also in progress to identify any gap in the system response or procedural lapses.”
Expressing deep condolence over the untimely death of the woman, the director informed that investigation by the police as well as a magisterial inquiry monitored by deputy commissioner of West Jaintia Hills are ongoing.
All relevant medical reports, duty rosters and case details have been submitted to the inquiry committee, she said.
Reiterating the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability and patient safety, Kharsahnoh said, “We will take corrective action as required to strengthen maternal health protocols across all public health institutions.”
Meanwhile, the MHRC has taken suo moto cognizance of the death of the pregnant woman and her unborn child as reported by the media, according to a press release.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Health department to inquire into the matter and submit a report, it said.
Earlier, the DHS asserted that it is not a time for blame, but for reflection and improvement, saying, “As a department, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future.”
Narrating the chronology of events, she said Pynche Bareh of Jalaphet village was referred to MCH hospital, Jowai earlier this week after being admitted at Sutnga CHC.
“She refused to proceed to the referral hospital on that night (June 2). She was admitted on June 3 at 12.45 pm and evaluated by an attending physician. She was found to be clinically stable. She was fully conscious oriented, her BP, pulse and oxygen level were within normal limits. Conservative management was initiated including hydration and medication since she was not in active labour and since there were no immediate danger signs, she was kept under observation,” she said.
Kharsohnoh said on June 4 morning, she was reviewed again by the doctor, who confirmed that there was no immediate need for operative intervention and she was continued on conservative monitoring.
“At around 6.20 pm, she complained of abdominal pain and she was shifted to a high dependency unit for close monitoring and further evaluation but at 7.15 pm, the patients’ relatives requested she be discharged and shifted to another health facility. While the process for discharge was initiated by the doctor on duty and the family was advised to arrange for an ambulance, around 8 pm, her condition started deteriorating.
She suddenly became breathless, unconscious and her oxygen level had also come down, her vitals, blood pressure had come down…so emergency response was initiated immediately and they (doctors) gave prompt resuscitation but her condition could not be revived. So, she was declared dead at 9.30 pm in spite of the resuscitate efforts that was given to her,” Kharsahnoh said.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya BJP Mahila Morcha has urged the state government to improve conditions of government hospitals in the state to avoid such tragedies in future.
“We urge the state government to take immediate measures to improve the conditions of government hospitals so such tragedies can be avoided. People of the state should also take advantage of the central government’s Ayush scheme so that they can get the best facilities at inexpensive rates,” said Meghalaya BJP Mahila Morcha president Susuki Pariat in a statement.
Highlighting the social disparity in availability of medical treatment, she said, “While those with high income can get access to the best medical facilities, people from lower income groups are left to the mercy of an indifferent and ill equipped system. This places a vast majority of Meghalaya in a dangerous situation.”
Office bearers of the Morcha also met the member of the National Commission for Women, Delina Khongdup, to appraise her of the incident.
“She has requested the authorities to inspect each facility on a regular basis,” said Pariat.
