23-year-old woman dies after childbirth at Jawalamukhi

She suffered severe bleeding after delivery, succumbs at Tanda Medical College; family alleges delay in referral

Jawalamukhi, September 25

A 23-year-old woman died at Tanda Medical College after suffering from severe bleeding following childbirth at Jawalamukhi Hospital, prompting her family to protest outside the hospital and allege negligence in her treatment.

The deceased, Trikala Devi, wife of Deepak Dogra and a resident of Taridi, Majheen, was admitted to Jawalamukhi Hospital around 5 am on Wednesday. She delivered a healthy baby boy at about 3.30 pm, according to her family.

The family said Trikala developed severe bleeding about an hour after delivery. Her condition deteriorated and she was subsequently referred to Tanda Medical College, where she died during treatment.

Following her death, relatives staged a protest outside Jawalamukhi Hospital and raised slogans against the hospital administration. They demanded an impartial inquiry, alleging that she should have been referred to a higher medical facility earlier if her condition could not be managed at the hospital.

Jawalamukhi Hospital BMO Dr Pawan Sharma said the woman developed sudden heavy bleeding after delivery, a condition medically known as postpartum haemorrhage. He said doctors and staff made efforts to control the bleeding and stabilise her before referring her to a higher medical centre.

The BMO said the family had submitted a written complaint seeking an inquiry. He said the investigation would examine the treatment provided, the circumstances leading to the deterioration in her condition and the decision to refer her to Tanda.

Dehra DSP Sandeep Dhawal confirmed the incident and said an impartial inquiry would be conducted. He said the exact cause of death and whether there was any lapse in treatment would be established after examination of the medical records and other evidence.