Family demands inquiry as officials say pneumonia-related respiratory failure suspected
Nagpur: Allegations of medical negligence have surfaced following the death of an 11-month-old girl at the District Women and Children’s Hospital in Gadchiroli, prompting demands for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The infant, a resident of Dibhna village, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday around 12:30 PM for what was reportedly a minor medical issue. Doctors provided first aid and began treatment after her admission.
However, her condition reportedly deteriorated unexpectedly and she was declared dead around 3 PM on Wednesday. Preliminary information suggests that respiratory failure caused by pneumonia may have led to her death.
Family members claimed that the child’s condition had remained stable until about two hours before her sudden deterioration. They have questioned the treatment provided at the hospital and alleged negligence in handling the case.
The incident triggered tension at the hospital as relatives, local residents and political leaders gathered to demand accountability. Police personnel were deployed at the facility to manage the situation and assured that further action would depend on the findings of the post-mortem report.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Madhuri Kilnake stated that when the child was admitted on Tuesday afternoon, she did not show symptoms of oxygen deficiency or severe pneumonia. According to the preliminary assessment, sudden pneumonia along with phlegm accumulation in the throat may have caused respiratory failure leading to her death.
Meanwhile, Gadchiroli Congress Committee president Mahendra Brahmanwade visited the hospital after the incident and sought details from the administration. He called for a thorough inquiry and strict action if negligence by doctors or hospital staff is established.
Civil Surgeon Dr Varsha Lahade confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated. She said that a senior doctor had been attending to the child and the initial documentation appears to be in order. According to her, only basic medicines such as fever-reducing drugs and antiemetics were administered, and a detailed review of the case will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
