23-year-old woman’s death after childbirth triggers protests, hunger strike and allegations of medical negligence; Health Department initiates departmental inquiry
In the wake of the death of a 23-year-old woman following childbirth at the Regional Hospital in Kullu, the Himachal Pradesh Government has suspended a specialist gynaecologist and ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident. The maternal death has sparked widespread public outrage, protests and demands for accountability, with the victim’s family alleging serious medical negligence by hospital staff.
The suspension order, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on June 30, places the specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology under immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry. The action has been taken under Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, following a report submitted by the Director of Health Services recommending a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Doctor Attached to Directorate During Suspension
During the suspension period, the doctor has been attached to the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in Shimla and has been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.
The Health Department clarified that the suspension is an administrative measure while the departmental inquiry examines whether any lapses occurred during the patient’s treatment.
Woman Died After Childbirth, Family Alleges Medical Negligence
The deceased, a 23-year-old resident of Sunaru village in Mandi district, was admitted to Regional Hospital, Kullu, for delivery. According to official records cited in the suspension order, she underwent a surgical procedure on June 21. However, her condition reportedly deteriorated soon after the operation, and she later died.
The victim’s family has accused hospital staff of medical negligence, alleging that repeated warnings regarding her worsening condition were ignored. They further claimed that a nurse dismissed their concerns and suggested that the patient was exaggerating her symptoms instead of ensuring immediate medical intervention.
Protests Intensify Outside Kullu Hospital
The woman’s death triggered massive protests in Kullu, with family members, local residents and social activists staging demonstrations outside the Regional Hospital.
Protesters also blocked traffic at Dhalpur, demanding strict action against those responsible and a transparent investigation into the incident. The agitation entered its second day of a hunger strike on Tuesday, with the victim’s family insisting that, besides the suspended doctor, two nurses allegedly involved in the patient’s treatment should also face disciplinary action.
Congress MLA Says More Action May Follow
Congress MLA from Kullu, Sunder Singh Thakur, visited the protest site and met the bereaved family members. Referring to a similar maternal death reported at Kullu Hospital in 2018, he said no action had been taken by the then government despite public outrage.
Thakur stated that the present government had acted promptly by suspending the doctor and indicated that disciplinary action against additional hospital staff could follow if negligence is established.
Addressing protesters, he termed any misconduct by doctors or paramedical staff as “completely unacceptable” and said he had spoken to the Chief Minister, urging strict action against the doctor and the two nurses whose names reportedly appear in the duty register.
Opposition Demands Fair Investigation
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, accompanied by senior BJP leaders, also visited the hospital and met the grieving family. He assured them of support and called for a fair, impartial and transparent investigation to determine responsibility for the woman’s death.
Magisterial and Departmental Inquiries Underway
Following discussions with the victim’s family, the district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry, which will be conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Kullu.
Separately, the Health Department has constituted a departmental committee to investigate the medical treatment provided to the patient and examine whether any negligence or procedural lapses contributed to her death.
The findings of both inquiries are expected to determine whether further disciplinary or legal action will be initiated against the healthcare personnel involved.
