In a tragic incident that sparked outrage, a young woman lost her life shortly after giving birth due to what is believed to be medical negligence at Achampet Government Hospital in Telangana.
The victim, identified as Roja, a 27-year-old resident of Darshangadthanda under Atchampet municipality, was admitted to the government hospital for childbirth on August 15. She underwent a Cesarean section (C-section) procedure, successfully delivering a baby boy. After three days of observation, she was discharged and sent home.
However, the situation took a grave turn as Roja began experiencing excessive bleeding upon her return home. With her condition rapidly deteriorating, she was urgently readmitted to the same government hospital. Recognizing the severity of her condition, the medical team referred Roja to a private hospital in Hyderabad for specialized treatment.
Tragically, despite the efforts to save her life, Roja passed away on August 22 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Shockingly, during the course of her medical examination, doctors discovered that cotton swabs had been left inside her womb, a grave error that may have contributed to her deteriorating health.
Following Roja's untimely passing, her bereaved family and friends organized a protest on August 23 at Ambedkar Chowrastha in Achampet. They made grave accusations, saying that the doctor who performed the C-section, Dr. Krishna, had carelessly left cotton swabs inside Roja's body. Her considerable blood loss, according to the family, made her severe condition worse and ultimately caused her death.
The victim's relatives reportedly wrote to Atchampet officials, demanding justice and accountability, pleading with them to take harsh action against the doctor and medical staff accused of the alleged neglect. By formally complaining to the local police, Roja's husband took matters into his own hands, and a case was opened.
T Harish Rao, the state's health minister, acted in reaction to the growing public uproar and the gravity of the accusations. In accordance with the minister's instructions, the police commissioner opened an investigation into the event. Dr. Krishna was subsequently suspended from duty awaiting additional investigation in light of the investigation's findings.
The tragic occurrence serves as a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to ensure patient safety and the terrible effects that medical malpractice can have on families. The neighborhood is watching the investigations closely in the hopes that justice will be done for Roja and her bereaved family members. (Rehash/Dr. Nithin G N)
