A 31-year-old pregnant woman died at a private hospital in Yerragondapalem after an alleged abortion procedure was performed by unqualified medical staff under the remote guidance of a doctor through a video call. The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council has initiated an inquiry into the incident.
The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) has ordered an inquiry into the death of a 31-year-old pregnant woman at a private hospital in Yerragondapalem, Markapuram district, following allegations that an abortion procedure was performed by unqualified medical staff on the instructions of a doctor through a video call.
The woman, who was reportedly around six months pregnant, was admitted to the private hospital on August 25 after complaining of severe headache and abdominal pain. Her condition allegedly deteriorated following the procedure, and she died on August 27.
According to reports, the abortion procedure was allegedly carried out by medical staff who were not qualified to perform such a procedure. The hospital is run by a registered medical practitioner who allegedly guided the staff remotely through a video call.
Police Register Unnatural Death Case
Following the woman’s death, her family members were initially reluctant to register a police complaint, stating that they did not suspect the hospital authorities or anyone else in connection with her death.
According to a report by South First, the woman’s husband told the police that he believed his wife had died due to her existing health problems and did not suspect the hospital or its staff.
The police subsequently registered a case of unnatural death. The FIR reportedly does not name any accused.
Local media reports have also raised allegations of possible female foeticide and claimed that the abortion may have followed an illegal sex determination test, as the couple already have two daughters. However, these allegations remain subject to investigation.
Police Await FSL Report
Deva Kumar, Sub-Inspector at Yerragondapalem police station, said the family was initially reluctant to file an FIR and that police had to persuade them to register a complaint.
Regarding the allegations reported by local media, Kumar said the hospital was not equipped to conduct a scan. He added that officials had not ruled out the possibility of an abortion being performed.
District medical officers have reportedly visited the hospital as part of the inquiry. Police are also awaiting the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report before proceeding further with the investigation.
AP Medical Council Initiates Inquiry
Taking serious note of the allegations, the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council has initiated an inquiry through its Anti-Quackery Committee.
APMC Chairman Dr Garlapati Nanda Kishore stated that the Anti-Quackery Committee, headed by Dr Subba Naidu, will verify the facts surrounding the incident and initiate appropriate legal and disciplinary action within the council’s jurisdiction.
The council also warned that unauthorised medical practice and quackery would not be tolerated.
Dr Nanda Kishore reiterated that valid medical qualifications and official registration are mandatory for practising modern medicine, prescribing drugs and performing medical procedures, including abortions.
Citing Section 20 of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council Act and Section 34 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, he stated that practising medicine without valid credentials is an offence.
The Anti-Quackery Committee will coordinate with health department officials, district administrations and law enforcement agencies as part of the action against unauthorised practitioners.