In a shocking development, Cheluvamba Hospital, attached to the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), has recorded six maternal deaths this month. Of them, three had undergone Caesarean section.
Also, six women, who had been admitted to the hospital for delivery and later shifted to private hospitals after they reportedly developed complications, also died during the same period.
It is perhaps the first time in recent history of one of the oldest hospitals in the State that so many maternal deaths have occurred in the span of a month. The deaths have shaken hospital authorities, who are unable to pinpoint the cause of what they describe as “sudden deaths”.
MMCRI Dean and Director Krishnamurthy told The Hindu: “We are at a complete loss and unable to cite reasons for the deaths. Three deaths took place because of excessive bleeding, and three died soon after C section.”
Excessive bleeding
He clarified that the women who had died of excessive bleeding had been brought to the hospital in “critical condition”.
Incidentally, there were 10 maternal deaths at the State-run Vani Vilas Hospital for Women and Children in Bengaluru during the same period. “It’s a strange coincidence,” said Dr. Krishnamurthy. He, however, said the drugs administered to those who had undergone ‘C’ section, had also been given to other women after delivery, and they had not developed complications.
Family members of the deceased did not permit hospital authorities to conduct post-mortem. “There used to be less than 10 maternal deaths a year. It is the first time so many deaths have occurred in such a short span,” Dr. Krishnamurthy said.
We are at a complete loss and unable to cite reasons for the deaths.
Krishnamurthy
MMCRI Dean and Director
