Family Alleges Delay in Treatment Led to Tragic Death
Patiala: A doctor and her husband, who assisted in running a private clinic in Bahadurgarh town, have been booked for medical negligence following the death of a 24-year-old woman hours after childbirth.
The victim, Lakhwinder Kaur, reportedly experienced severe pain after delivery. Her family claimed they requested the doctor to allow her transfer to Government Rajindra Hospital, a tertiary care facility. However, the doctor instead directed the victim’s husband to arrange blood from a private hospital’s blood bank. By the time he returned, Lakhwinder had succumbed.
Police and Health Department Investigate
Following a complaint from the victim’s family, the couple running Wadi’s Hospital have been booked under Section 106(1) (death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Station House Officer Dharinder Verma of Sadar Police Station confirmed that while no arrests have been made yet, an investigation is underway. Authorities are also probing whether the accused doctor was properly qualified.
The Patiala health department has launched an inquiry into the maternal death. Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh stated that the deceased’s medical records have been requested from the private clinic, and a maternal death audit will be conducted.
Punjab’s Struggle with Maternal Mortality
Punjab has long struggled to improve its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), which remains significantly higher than the national average of 97, according to state health department data. Punjab is among 11 high-burden states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Haryana, that report elevated maternal mortality rates.
The victim’s husband, Harinder Singh, has demanded that the doctor’s license be revoked, holding her responsible for his wife’s death.
