A woman from Odisha’s Bargarh district died nearly a month after undergoing a Caesarean delivery at a private hospital, triggering allegations of medical negligence and sparking protests by her family and local residents.
Family Alleges Surgical Error During Caesarean Procedure
The deceased, Srishti Prabha Pradhan, a resident of Hatisar village under Bhatli block in Bargarh district, was admitted to Purohit General Hospital on May 13 for childbirth. She delivered a baby boy through a Caesarean section on the same day.
According to her husband, Purna Chandra Sahu, a police constable, doctors allegedly injured her urinary bladder during the surgery, resulting in excessive bleeding and severe post-operative complications. He claimed that the family was not informed about the alleged injury and was instead asked to arrange blood for transfusion before she was referred to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla.
Condition Worsened Despite Treatment at Multiple Hospitals
The family alleged that doctors at VIMSAR later informed them that an infection had developed after the bladder was accidentally cut and connected to the uterus during the operation. Despite receiving treatment, Srishti’s health reportedly continued to deteriorate.
She was subsequently shifted to Vikas Hospital in Sambalpur, where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from May 14 to June 5. As her condition failed to improve, she was later transferred to Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
After battling complications for 26 days, Srishti Prabha Pradhan passed away on June 8.
Protest Erupts Outside Hospital
Following her death, family members and local residents staged a protest outside Purohit General Hospital, demanding strict action against the surgeon and hospital staff involved in the Caesarean procedure.
The protesters alleged that negligence during surgery led to the woman’s death and called for a fair and impartial investigation into the incident. The family has also sought adequate compensation and accountability from the authorities.
Hospital Rejects Negligence Allegations
Responding to the allegations, the owner of Purohit General Hospital denied any medical negligence. Describing the incident as unfortunate, he stated that the patient’s condition had stabilized after surgery and that her family was kept informed throughout the treatment process.
The hospital management further maintained that the patient was referred to VIMSAR, Burla, in accordance with established medical protocols and denied any wrongdoing on the part of the medical team.
Demand for Investigation
The incident has raised concerns over patient safety and accountability in maternal healthcare services. With allegations and counterclaims emerging from both sides, the family is demanding a thorough investigation to determine whether medical negligence played a role in the woman’s death.
