Husband Alleges Medical Negligence After Woman Dies Following Referral for Advanced Treatment
A tragic incident in Sikkim has triggered public concern after a pregnant woman and her unborn twins died following treatment and referral from STNM Hospital. In response, the state government has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of medical negligence in the case.
The deceased woman has been identified as Shweta Karki, a resident of Gyalshing district. According to officials, she was referred to STNM Hospital for advanced medical care during her pregnancy. However, both the unborn twins and the woman later died, leading to serious allegations against the hospital administration and medical staff.
Her husband, Swarup Chhetri, has accused the hospital of negligence and deficiencies in treatment. He alleged that improper medical management and delays during the course of treatment resulted in the deaths of his wife and their unborn children.
Five-Member Committee Formed To Investigate Entire Treatment Process
Following the incident, the Sikkim government ordered a formal inquiry and constituted a five-member panel comprising senior health officials and medical experts. The committee has been tasked with examining the complete sequence of events, beginning from the patient’s admission at the hospital to her eventual referral to another medical facility.
The panel will review the treatment procedures, clinical management, and emergency response provided to the patient. It will also investigate whether the doctors and healthcare personnel followed the prescribed obstetrics and gynaecology protocols during her treatment.
Senior Health Officials Included In Inquiry Panel
The inquiry committee includes Dr Pema Seden Lepcha, Principal Director of Health Services, and Dr Suresh Madan Rasaily, Additional Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital.
Other members of the panel are Dr Anup Pradhan, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Central Referral Hospital, along with Pooja Lohar, Deputy Secretary at STNM Hospital, and Pratiksha Sharma, Under Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
Government Seeks Report Within One Week
Amid growing concern among residents and demands for accountability, the state government has directed the inquiry committee to submit its findings and recommendations within one week.
The investigation will also examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the unborn twins and the subsequent death of the woman after her referral for advanced medical care.
The incident has intensified discussions around maternal healthcare standards and emergency medical response systems in the state, with many awaiting the outcome of the official inquiry.
