Shillong: The Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, has dismissed allegations of medical negligence following the death of a new-born at Nongpoh Civil Hospital. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, involved a premature birth in the hospital’s toilet. Lyngdoh clarified that the incident was a result of spontaneous abortion, as the mother, Monalisa Langi, was less than five months pregnant. “This was a case of spontaneous abortion as the pregnancy was under five months,” she stated. Lyngdoh, further explaining the immediate steps taken by the Health department, said, “I assigned a senior officer at the level of Joint Director to quickly investigate the case and provide a detailed briefing on the matter.”
She stressed that due to the early stage of the pregnancy, there was little chance of survival for the foetus. “The foetus was under five weeks old, and with the mother being less than five months pregnant, saving the child was not medically feasible.” Although a formal report is still awaited, she said, “We are dedicated to upgrading healthcare facilities across the state.” The minister also confirmed that a senior official from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) had already visited Nongpoh to gather more details. “The Joint Director visited the hospital and collected all necessary information. A formal response from the hospital’s Medical Superintendent will follow soon.” Monalisa Langi, a resident of Umden Diwon, was initially treated at Umden Primary Health Centre (PHC) after experiencing labour pain. She was subsequently referred to Nongpoh Civil Hospital, where she was admitted in the early hours of September 21 and received medical attention.
