K.R. Nagar: A 32-year-old woman died after giving birth at the Taluk Mother and Child Hospital in K.R. Nagar, Mysuru district, on November 13, triggering protests by her family members, who alleged medical negligence.
The deceased, identified as Sheelavathi, was the wife of Manjunath and a resident of Thondalu village in Hunsur taluk. She had reportedly undergone regular pregnancy check-ups at the hospital and was admitted for delivery. She gave birth to a baby boy but reportedly suffered severe blood loss following childbirth, leading to her death.
The family alleged that negligence by hospital doctors contributed to her death and demanded a thorough investigation. Relatives staged a protest outside the hospital, placing her body on the premises and seeking action against those found responsible.
Family demands investigation into death
The family members expressed anger over the circumstances surrounding Sheelavathi’s death and questioned the treatment provided to her at the hospital.
According to reports, Sheelavathi had been visiting the hospital regularly for antenatal check-ups. Her family sought clarity on how her condition deteriorated after delivery and whether timely medical intervention had been provided.
The allegations of negligence have not yet been established. The exact cause of death and whether there were any lapses in medical treatment will have to be determined through an official investigation and medical examination.
DHO visits hospital, promises inquiry
District Health Officer Dr. Gopinath visited the hospital along with other health department officials after learning about the protest. He attempted to pacify the family members, but they continued to demand accountability.
The DHO stated that if the family lodged a police complaint, a post-mortem examination would be conducted to establish the cause of death. He also said an inquiry would be held under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and that action would be initiated against those found responsible.
During the protest, K.R. Nagar Police Sub-Inspector Shanthakumari shifted the body in an ambulance. It was later reported that the body had been taken to Thondalu village in Hunsur taluk, following which the protesters vacated the hospital premises.
When media representatives questioned the shifting of the body without a post-mortem examination, the DHO said he was not responsible for the decision to move it.
Second maternal death reported within 10 days
Sheelavathi’s death is the second reported incident involving a mother and newborn at the K.R. Nagar Taluk Mother and Child Hospital within a span of 10 days.
Earlier, on November 3, Sushmitha, wife of Mahesh and a resident of Malali village, and her newborn child had died. Sushmitha’s family had also alleged negligence by the hospital doctors.
The two incidents have raised concerns among residents about the quality of maternal healthcare and the availability of medical support at the government hospital. The circumstances of both cases are expected to be examined as part of the official inquiry.
Judges inspect hospital, seek better facilities
Following the second reported maternal death, K.R. Nagar Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class B.C. Aravinda and Additional Civil Judge and JMFC Asrina visited the hospital on November 14.
The judges collected information about both incidents and inspected the hospital premises. They also examined the cleanliness and enquired with pregnant women and mothers of newborns about the quality of treatment and facilities available at the hospital.
During the inspection, the judges instructed hospital authorities to install complaint boxes on the premises so that patients and their families could report grievances. They also directed the authorities to appoint an anaesthetist.
The inspection comes amid growing demands for accountability and improvements in healthcare facilities at the hospital. The investigation into Sheelavathi’s death is expected to establish the precise cause and determine whether any medical or administrative lapses occurred.