A woman from Perambra in Kozhikode has accused the authorities at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) here of not attending to her properly during her delivery, which reportedly led her to undergo at least five surgeries, including for removal of uterus.
B. Anusree, a native of Cheruvannur grama panchayat at Perambra, told the media on Wednesday (November 27) that she was under the treatment of Sooraj Subramoniam, attached to the Department of Gynaecology at the hospital. During the body scanning in the ninth month of her pregnancy, it was found that the umbilical cord was wrapped around the neck of the foetus, but Dr. Sooraj did not take it seriously, she claimed.
Ms. Anusree was admitted to the medical college hospital on January 13. She alleged that there were not enough staff in the ward to attend to her even though her health condition deteriorated. On top of it, one of the doctors on duty misbehaved with her for crying in pain, Ms. Anusree said. She claimed that a group of doctors attended to her only after her mother cried out for help the next day, and the delivery also took place thereafter. However, the child remains in an unhealthy condition even now because of complications during delivery.
She also said that she had to undergo five surgeries, including for removal of uterus, after excessive bleeding during delivery, in the next three months.
Ms. Anusree and her husband Shibil Balakrishnan demanded that strict action be initiated against Dr. Sooraj and the lady doctor on duty. They also sought financial compensation for the hardships they suffered. Mr. Balakrishnan, who was working abroad, lost his job as he had to be here for a long period. They have filed complaints with the police and the Health department.
The authorities at the MCH, meanwhile, said that hers was a case of amniotic fluid embolism, a rare but life-threatening condition, when the amniotic fluid of the person gets into her bloodstream just before, during, or after childbirth. Asked about the allegations against Dr. Sooraj, they claimed that he was reportedly on leave.
Meanwhile, an all-party action committee has been formed to seek justice for Ms. Anusree. Functionaries of the committee told the media that they would meet the District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) soon.
Relatives of another woman from Perambra had filed a complaint with the superintendent of the hospital on November 19 against the alleged lapses in medical treatment given to her that reportedly led to her death.
Published – November 27, 2024 09:29 pm IST
