A 32-year-old woman died hours after delivering her second child at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital on Friday, with her family alleging serious medical negligence and filing a complaint at Kotwali police station.
Monika Karan Gorai, a resident of Purunabera under Keshpur police station limits, was admitted to the maternity ward around 4.30 am for childbirth. According to her husband, Anup, doctors had initially suggested a caesarean section but later decided to wait for a normal delivery.
She gave birth to a baby girl between 10 am and 10.30 am. However, the family alleged that necessary post-delivery stitching was not carried out immediately.
Delay in treatment alleged
Family members claimed that despite repeated appeals to doctors and nurses, the stitching procedure was performed only around 2 pm. By then, Monika had reportedly lost significant blood and began experiencing breathing difficulties.
The family requested that she be shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment, but hospital staff allegedly informed them that moving her could be risky and harmful to her condition.
Monika’s health continued to deteriorate, and she was declared dead around 8 pm.
Her sister-in-law, Chinu Roy, stated that the newborn, weighing approximately 4 kg, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to health complications. “Despite the baby’s weight and condition, there was a delay in stitching. Negligence led to her death,” she alleged.
Probe ordered, autopsy awaited
Hospital superintendent Indranil Sen termed the incident unfortunate and said an autopsy would determine the exact cause of death. He confirmed that both institutional and district-level investigations would be conducted, as allegations of negligence have been raised.
Police have registered the complaint and are expected to seek medical records as part of the inquiry.
The tragic incident has sparked concern over maternal healthcare standards and emergency response protocols at public hospitals, as the grieving family awaits answers and accountability.