Kalpana Mishra, a pregnant woman from Hatwa village in Rewa district, and her unborn child died at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa on 26 August, triggering allegations of medical negligence and misbehaviour against hospital staff. The Madhya Pradesh government has since suspended four hospital employees — two doctors and two nursing officers — and constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

What Happened at Gandhi Memorial Hospital

Kalpana Mishra, wife of Amit Mishra and a resident of Hatwa village under Baikunthpur police station, was admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Gandhi Memorial Hospital at around 2:38 am on 26 August. She and her unborn child died at approximately 11:55 pm the same day.

Medical records indicate that her platelet count was around 30,000 per microlitre at the time of admission, her blood pressure was severely elevated, and liver enzymes were also high. Doctors diagnosed her with severe pre-eclampsia, severe thrombocytopenia, and HELLP syndrome, alongside a term pregnancy. According to the government, treatment and necessary medical procedures were initiated as per prescribed protocol.

Suspensions and Action Taken

Dr Sonal Agrawal of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and Dr Nidhi Pandey of the Anaesthesia Department were suspended with immediate effect for prima facie gross negligence in duty and serious indiscipline. The two nursing officers were suspended following allegations of misbehaviour with the deceased woman's family.

The family had filed a formal complaint alleging both negligence in treatment and misconduct by hospital staff — prompting the state government to act swiftly ahead of any inquiry findings.

Government's Response

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also holds the Health portfolio, said on Friday that patient safety and adherence to medical protocols were the government's foremost priority. 'Sensitive and respectful behaviour towards patients and their relatives, along with adherence to prescribed medical protocols, is the highest priority, and any negligence in this regard will not be accepted,' Shukla said.

He directed officials to ensure an impartial inquiry and stated that strict action would follow based on the committee's findings. He also called for corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Inquiry and Post-Mortem

A committee of senior doctors has been constituted to investigate the allegations. On the family's demand, a joint team from the Rewa district hospital and medical college conducted post-mortem examinations of both the woman and her unborn child. After completion of necessary formalities, the bodies were transported by a mortuary vehicle to their native village.

This comes amid growing scrutiny of public hospital standards in Madhya Pradesh, where maternal mortality cases have previously drawn political and judicial attention. The outcome of the inquiry committee's report is expected to determine whether further action is warranted against additional staff or systemic failures at the facility.