Relatives protest at Virudhunagar GH after woman’s death post delivery

The deceased victim has been identified as Kanaga of Allampatti village, Virudhunagar block.

The baby was born normal, according to sources. R. Manoharan, Joint Director of Health Service, Virudhunagar, said hours after delivering the baby at Alagapuri Primary Health Centre, the mother developed bleeding and hence she was referred to Virudhunagar Government Headquarters Hospital. But, unfortunately, she died there late on Wednesday.

According to A. Palanichamy, Deputy Director of Health Service, Virudhunagar, Kanaga, after experiencing labour pain, was admitted to the PHC around 10 .30 am on Wednesday, and around 1.30 pm, she delivered a boy, weighing about two-and-a-half kilo. But, she was moved to the Government Hospital from the PHC at 3.45 pm, after she developed bleeding.

It was her second delivery at the Allampatti PHC. Though the Government Hospital was located close to her house at a distance of about one kilometre, Kanaga preferred this PHC, which is almost a seven km from her house, due to quality medical care. Moreover, the patient underwent suture to control bleeding, but gradually when there’s a fall in blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration, the Deputy Director said the ‘108’ Emergency ambulance service was called twice. As there was no response, the PHC staff nurse took the patient in her car to the Government Hospital, he said. 

Sources said doctors were not adequately present in the Government Hospital, but only staff nurses, due to Pongal.

When contacted, A. Pragalathan, Medical Superintendent, Virudhunagar Government Headquarters Hospital, said despite providing all treatment options to control bleeding, the patient died at 10.52 pm on Wednesday.

Post-partum bleeding was the cause of her death. Earlier, when the patient was admitted to the GH around 4 pm, her blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration had plummeted abnormally. Subsequently, the patient was put on ventilation under intensive care. She also underwent laparotomy procedure to check internal bleeding.

The patient then was administered drug through central venous line. Besides, six units of packed red blood cell (concentrated) and two more units of regular blood were transfused to meet the patient’s need. But, all in vain,he said.