The Health Department in Sikkim has constituted a committee to initiate an inquiry on the death of a pregnant woman at STNM hospital as the family members have alleged negligence.
According to the sources, A 37 years old pregnant woman from Kamdong village was brought at STNM hospital for medical attention after she developed a pain.
On conducting ultrasound it was found that the baby inside her womb had no heartbeat following which she was admitted at the hospital to perform a surgery.
However, the surgery was delayed due to absence of the doctor.
A doctor who was suppose to conduct the surgery did not turned up.
The doctor arrived in the morning of January 14 and after the surgery the pregnant woman was declared dead.
Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, the husband of the deceased said, “Due to medical emergency of my pregnant wife we had come to consult the doctor. However due to the absence of the doctor, the nurse on duty asked us to proceed for the the ultrasound in the ground floor. After waiting long ultrasound was conducted and we were informed the baby has no heartbeat. Worryingly, we immediately admitted her in the Gyane ward”
Narrating the scene Sonam Gyatso husband of the deceased said, “Due to medical emergency of my pregnant wife we had come to STNM yesterday afternoon and we made a card through the emergency and went to consult the doctor however due to the absence of the doctor the nurse there said us to proceed for the the ultrasound in the ground floor and also after waiting for long time the doctor who conducts the ultrasound came and after the ultrasound was conducted the doctor said that the baby in my wife’s womb had no heartbeat, it was worring for us so we immediately admitted my wife in the ward”
He further added, “ My wife had to undergo surgery but the doctor who was suppose to perform was not in the hospital. We approached the nurses to inform the doctor but despite informing he only arrived in the morning of January 14 after which my wife underwent the surgery and later after the surgery she was declared dead”
Sonam Tshering lepcha, one of the relatives of the deceased woman said ” STNM hospital is not only for the rich and famous people. This hospital is also for poor like us. I request the management to set up enquiry to deliver justice”
“What is the use of this massive hospital where negligence kills people. Yesterday, we even tried calling the Health Minister but he didn’t respond the call”
Tashi Pintso Lepcha, brother of a the deseased alleged when the nurse contacted the doctor over the phone he replied that “I shall come hospital only if there is any emergency case”
“ Isn’t a pregnant woman admited with a dead child in her womb a emergency case for the doctor?”questioned Lepcha
On the other hand, the Health Department formed a three member inquiry committee with MT Sherpa, Secretary UDD as chairperson, Dr Pemba T Bhutia DG Health and Dr KB Gurung MS STNM as members of the committe.
The inquiry committee has to submit report before January 21.
