A tragic incident at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district has raised serious questions over patient care after a 25-year-old woman and her newborn died following delivery.
The woman, identified as Kalpana Mishra, had been admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital on August 25 for the delivery of her first child. She underwent a caesarean section on August 26 and delivered a baby. Both mother and child died during subsequent treatment.
Disturbing video surfaces
The incident gained widespread attention after a video recorded before Kalpana's death surfaced.
In the footage, she appears distressed and repeatedly asks her family to take her away from the hospital. She is heard expressing fear over her treatment and pleading for help.
The video has intensified questions raised by her family, who have alleged that she repeatedly complained about her condition but did not receive adequate medical attention.
Family alleges medical negligence
Kalpana's family has accused doctors and hospital staff of failing to respond adequately as her condition deteriorated. Her father, Ramsharan Mishra, said he had repeatedly asked medical personnel to monitor his daughter more closely.
The family has also raised questions about the treatment administered during and after the caesarean section, including the possibility of an issue involving anaesthesia. These allegations have not yet been established and are part of the ongoing investigation.
Hospital denies negligence
Hospital officials have rejected allegations that doctors were negligent.
Superintendent Dr Rahul Mishra said Kalpana had been treated according to medical protocols. He also said that her platelet count was low and that she had experienced a rise in blood pressure and heart rate.
According to the hospital, the circumstances surrounding why she failed to regain consciousness will be examined by the inquiry committee.
Four staff members suspended
Authorities have initiated disciplinary action while the investigation continues.
Two nursing officers who were on duty were initially suspended. Subsequently, two female doctors — a gynaecologist and an anaesthesiologist — were also suspended after an initial inquiry reportedly found prima facie concerns regarding negligence and dereliction of duty.
A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to determine what led to the deaths. Officials have said further action will be taken against anyone found responsible.
Post-mortem and inquiry underway
The deaths sparked protests by grieving relatives outside the hospital, with the family demanding accountability.
Post-mortem examinations were subsequently conducted by doctors from the district hospital. Officials said the post-mortem and inquiry reports will be important in establishing the precise circumstances and cause of the deaths.
The case has also brought renewed attention to broader concerns about staffing and capacity in Madhya Pradesh's public healthcare system.
For Kalpana's family, the central demand remains clear: if negligence is established, those responsible should face strict action.
