Death of pregnant woman at MCH jowai; DHS says disciplinary action to be taken if it is case of clinical negligence

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2025

The state’s health department has taken strong cognizance on the recent death of a pregnant woman at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District and warned that appropriate disciplinary action against concerned personnel if the magisterial inquiry reveals that it was a case of ‘clinical negligence’.

Addressing media persons on Friday, Director of Health Service (MCH & FW) LE Kharsahnoh said, “We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of (L) Pynche Bareh. As an FIR has been lodged and a formal investigation by the police and magisterial inquiry is monitored by the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills – are on the way, the head of department has submitted all relevant medical reports, duty rosters and case details to the inquiry committee.”

“The root cause analysis is also in progress to identify any gap in the system response or procedural lapses. If the inquiry reveals any negligence or failure in clinical care appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned personnel,” she warned.

She added, “The department reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and patient safety and we will take corrective action as required to strengthen maternal health protocols across all public health institutions.”

Stating that this is not a time for blame but is a time for reflection and improvement, Kharsahnoh said, “As a department, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future. dies are not repeated in the future.”

The DHS said that Pynche Bareh of Jalaphet village was referred to MCH hospital, Jowai earlier this week after being admitted at Sutnga CHC.

“She refused to proceed to the referral hospital on that night (June 2). She was admitted on June 3 at 12.45 pm and evaluated by an attending physician. She was found to be clinically stable. She was fully conscious oriented, her BP, pulse and oxygen level were within normal limits. Conservative management was initiated including hydration and medication since she was not in active labour and since there were no immediate danger signs, she was kept under observation,” she said.

She said but on June 4 morning, she was reviewed again by the doctor, who confirmed that there was no immediate need for operative intervention and she was continued on conservative monitoring.

“At around 6.20 pm, she complained of abdominal pain and she was shifted to a high dependency unit for close monitoring and further evaluation but at 7.15 pm, the patient relative requested she be discharged and shifted to another health facility. While the process for discharge was initiated by the doctor on duty and the family was advised to arrange for an ambulance. At around 8 pm, her condition started deteriorating suddenly she became breathless, unconscious and her oxygen level had also come down, her vitals, blood pressure had come down…so emergency response was initiated immediately and they (doctors) gave prompt resuscitation but her condition could not be revived. So, she was declared dead at 9.30 pm in spite of the resuscitate efforts that was given to her,” Kharsahnoh stated.