Ayodhya Hospital Sealed After Mother, Newborn Die in Alleged Phone-Guided Delivery
A tragic incident in Ayodhya has led to the sealing of a private hospital following the alleged deaths of a 32-year-old woman and her newborn due to medical negligence. Officials and family members reported on Thursday that the delivery was conducted by untrained staff, with a doctor directing the procedure remotely over the phone.
Incident Details and Family Allegations
The incident occurred on Tuesday at Maa Parmeshwari Devi Memorial Hospital. Suresh Yadav, a resident of Beniganj, stated that his wife, Soni Yadav, was admitted after developing labour pains. The attending doctor, Anjali Shrivastava, initially assured them that her condition was normal.
According to the family, Dr. Shrivastava was not physically present during the delivery. Instead, the procedure was carried out by a staff member who received instructions from the doctor via phone. Yadav alleged that after approximately half an hour, the staff handed over the newborn, who was not breathing.
"When we took the baby to a nearby doctor, he was declared dead. Upon returning, we were told my wife's condition had worsened. She was then taken to another hospital, where she was also declared dead," Yadav recounted.
Health Department Investigation and Hospital Sealing
Following the incident, the health department took swift action. A team led by Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) Dr. Ashutosh Shrivastava inspected the facility. During the inspection, no doctor or trained medical staff were present on-site.
The ACMO reported that a man identified as Mahesh Singh, claiming to be the hospital manager, was found overseeing operations. Alarmingly, three women who had undergone caesarean sections were also admitted there, with their care left to the manager.
"The hospital has been sealed and the admitted patients have been shifted to the district women's hospital. Further investigation is underway, and an FIR will be registered if negligence is established," the ACMO stated. He added that Dr. Anjali Shrivastava is currently untraceable.
Ongoing Probe and Implications
The health department has launched a comprehensive probe into the matter. The sealing of the hospital underscores the severity of the allegations and aims to prevent further such incidents. Authorities are focusing on determining the extent of negligence and ensuring accountability.
This case highlights critical issues in healthcare delivery, particularly in private facilities, and raises concerns about:
- The presence of untrained staff in medical procedures
- The ethical implications of remote guidance during deliveries
- The oversight and regulation of private hospitals
As the investigation progresses, the community awaits justice for the victims and stricter enforcement of medical standards to safeguard patient safety.
