Karnataka: Outrage Erupts as 5 Women Die After Childbirth in Two Public Hospitals Within 15 Days
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Bengaluru, Nov 28 (NationPress) The residents of Karnataka's Ballary district have raised their voices in anger against the authorities after the tragic deaths of five women post-delivery in two government-operated hospitals within just 15 days.
The affected women were admitted to the District Government Hospital in Ballary city and the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS).
Allegations suggest that these fatalities resulted from the negligence of hospital staff. Notably, four of the deceased women underwent cesarean sections at the Ballary District Hospital.
Families, relatives, and the local community are also questioning the absence of Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmed Khan, who oversees the district. They are critical of the silence exhibited by representatives from Ballary district.
District In-Charge Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has mentioned that he will request information regarding the deaths from officials but has not committed to taking any proactive measures.
In a distressing sequence, four women in the post-pregnancy phase lost their lives within a week at the Ballary Government District Hospital.
The latest victim, Mahalaxmi, 20, from CS Pura in the neighboring Vijayapura district, was admitted to BIMS after experiencing labor pains.
Mahalaxmi successfully delivered a child via normal delivery on Sunday; however, she tragically succumbed to severe bleeding and infection by Wednesday.
The parents of the deceased have accused the doctors of negligence, demanding accountability for their daughter's death.
BIMS Director Dr. Gangadhar Gowda stated that Mahalaxmi had been suffering from anemia.
She was previously treated at a facility in Kudligi before being admitted to BIMS. Upon admission, her condition was not stable, and her family was informed about the risks associated with her delivery.
"We have done our utmost, but Mahalaxmi succumbed to existing health issues," he remarked.
However, Mahalaxmi's parents maintain that their daughter was in good health prior to the incident.
They reported that she experienced significant blood loss after childbirth and received 18 blood transfusions, suggesting negligence from the medical team.
On November 9, a cesarean section was performed on 14 pregnant women at the Ballary District Hospital. Out of these, seven faced health complications, with four ultimately passing away within a week. The deceased were identified as Lalitamma, Rojamma, Nandini, and Muskaan.
This alarming series of deaths has sparked concern among the economically disadvantaged communities who cannot afford private healthcare and rely entirely on government hospitals. Hospital authorities have attributed the fatalities to the pre-existing health conditions of the women, effectively washing their hands of responsibility.
Ballary is recognized as one of the most underdeveloped districts in the state, with poor social and economic indicators. The families of the victims are calling for justice and urging the government to take measures to prevent further deaths of pregnant women in public hospitals.
