A tragic incident at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, has sparked protests and allegations of medical negligence after a first-time mother and her newborn baby died during childbirth.
Kalpana Mishra, a resident of Rewa, was admitted to the hospital on August 25 for delivery. According to reports, she delivered her baby but both the mother and newborn died the following evening, leaving the family devastated.
Family Alleges Medical Negligence
Kalpana’s family has alleged serious lapses in the treatment provided at the hospital. One of the key allegations is that a doctor demanded ₹3 lakh for treatment, while the family claims that a nurse subsequently carried out the procedure.
Relatives have also alleged that hospital staff behaved rudely when the family sought assistance. A video reportedly showing Kalpana pleading for help has further intensified public anger over the incident.
The family has demanded accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Hospital Denies Wrongdoing
Hospital authorities have denied allegations of negligence and said an investigation is underway to determine exactly what happened.
Officials have reportedly indicated that complications during treatment could have contributed to Kalpana’s death, including the possibility of an anaesthesia-related overdose. Authorities have stressed that the exact cause of death can only be established after medical and forensic investigations are completed.
As an immediate administrative measure, two nurses have reportedly been suspended, while an inquiry has been launched into the treatment provided to the mother and newborn.
Protests Continue in Rewa
The deaths have triggered protests outside the hospital, with relatives and members of the public demanding answers from the authorities.
The incident has also raised concerns about the availability of emergency obstetric care and the conduct of medical staff in government hospitals. Allegations made by the family are yet to be conclusively established, and the hospital has maintained that there was no deliberate negligence.
The post-mortem examinations of Kalpana and her newborn are pending, and their findings are expected to provide important evidence regarding the causes of death.
Authorities are now investigating the treatment records, the roles of medical personnel involved and the allegations made by the family. The findings of the inquiry will determine whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of timely emergency care, clear communication with patients' families and accountability in public healthcare facilities. For Kalpana’s family, however, the immediate priority remains understanding how a routine delivery resulted in the loss of both a mother and her newborn child.
