SAMBALPUR: The preliminary inquiry into the death of a premature twin during delivery at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in VIMSAR, Burla on July 13 has found no evidence of medical negligence by any doctor or staff of the hospital.
In its preliminary report, a three-member committee headed by the head of Obsterics and Gynaecology department attributed the newborn’s death to the mother’s medical complications rather than medical negligence. The report stated that the woman was seven months pregnant and the premature twin delivery was complicated.
VIMSAR director Lal Mohan Nayak said it was the woman’s sixth pregnancy. After her first normal delivery, she had undergone four induced abortions. Such cases can lead to cervical incompetence, making pregnant women more susceptible to preterm labour. “That is why the first baby was delivered within a matter of minutes, and the situation escalated rapidly.”
However, Nayak said a factual report has been sought from the department head. Appropriate action, if warranted, will be taken based on the findings of the final report.
Notably, the findings have raised questions over the functioning of the Obsterics and Gynaecology department. The roster showed that an assistant professor, two senior residents, three postgraduate doctors and an associate professor on call had been assigned duty on Sunday (July 13) morning. Yet, the affected family alleged that no doctor was present when the woman went into labour.
Sources said a postgraduate doctor examined the woman shortly before the delivery and then left the ward, while two other doctors were reportedly engaged in surgeries elsewhere.
Family members had claimed that delay in initiating delivery procedures led to the woman giving birth to the first baby before she could be shifted to the operation theatre. They alleged that due to further delay, the second baby could not be delivered in time and died.
Meanwhile, the surviving twin continues to remain in observation in the Special Newborn Care Unit of VIMSAR as he reportedly fell on an instrument tray during delivery. The mother’s condition is stated to be improving.
