The tragic death of a pregnant woman at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jowai has prompted the Meghalaya Health Department to issue a strong statement, warning that disciplinary action will be taken if ongoing investigations confirm clinical negligence.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of (L) Pynche Bareh. As an FIR has been lodged and a formal investigation by the police and magisterial inquiry is monitored by the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills – are on the way, the head of department has submitted all relevant medical reports, duty rosters and case details to the inquiry committee,” said Director of Health Services (MCH & FW), LE Kharsahnoh.
“The root cause analysis is also in progress to identify any gap in the system response or procedural lapses. If the inquiry reveals any negligence or failure in clinical care appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned personnel,” she warned.
She added, “The department reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and patient safety and we will take corrective action as required to strengthen maternal health protocols across all public health institutions.”
“As a department, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated in the future,” she said.
According to Kharsahnoh, the patient was initially referred to MCH Jowai after admission at Sutnga CHC, but she refused referral that night. She was later admitted on June 3 at 12:45 PM and found clinically stable. Conservative management was initiated as she showed no active labour or danger signs.
On June 4, she was reviewed again and continued under observation. However, by evening she reported abdominal pain and was moved to the high dependency unit. By 7:15 PM, her relatives requested discharge to another facility, and as arrangements were being made, her condition suddenly worsened. “She became breathless, unconscious and her oxygen level had also come down, her vitals, blood pressure had come down…so emergency response was initiated immediately and they (doctors) gave prompt resuscitation but her condition could not be revived. So, she was declared dead at 9.30 pm in spite of the resuscitate efforts that was given to her,” she stated.
