Action recommended against hospital authorities

An inquiry conducted by the health department has found officials of the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital found guilty of denying treatment to a tribal woman in labour.

In her enquiry report submitted to the Director, Health Services, on Friday, District Medical Officer Haseena Mohammad recommended action against the hospital as she found that the hospital authorities erred in the duty of attending to a pregnant woman.

“The health director is likely to recommend action on the report in a few days time”, she said, refusing to disclose more details about the nature of punishment recommended.

Susheela, a 23-year-old pregnant tribal woman from Thalavachappara village, was reportedly turned away by the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital authorities last week as there was no gynaecologist at the hospital. The woman and her husband had to walk a long distance to reach the hospital and crossed a river en route.

But the effort was in vain as the hospital officials allegedly refused to attend on her and referred her to another hospital. The couple then hired an autorickshaw while on their way to the other hospital and she delivered the baby girl in the vehicle.

Later, the Kothamangalam police were informed about the matter, and the women police constables took the mother and the baby to a private hospital. The couple, however, did not register any complaint with the police.

Following the incident, the DMO and additional DMO Jayasree visited the hospital and conducted an investigation.