The death of four women owing to post-delivery complications points to lack of healthcare infrastructure in The Nilgiris.
All women were from socially backward families and depended on the government healthcare system. The three-member team had ruled out medical negligence. But what is apparent is the insufficient number of specialists.
The Nilgiris district is served by two gynaecologists who are stationed in Coonoor GH. Together they handle around 200 deliveries a month. Despite such adverse conditions, the first death for this year was reported on December 23, say Health Department officials.
Residents, however, say the women were regular for ante-natal checks and their complications could have been managed better if enough manpower was posted in the Nilgiris. Doctors routinely refuse postings in PHCs as they have to traverse the tedious mountainous terrain.
The district administration has been making repeated representations to improve infrastructure.
The health department on Tuesday announced that the vacancy for two gynaecologists in Udhagamandalam would be filled.
Admitting that finding doctors for postings in the hilly districts has always been a problem, public health officials suggest that the government provide housing facility close to the PHCs for the young doctors posted there.
