Medical Negligence Allegations at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital
Case Overview
Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is facing allegations of medical negligence following the death of a 32-year-old pregnant woman who experienced complications after an emergency Caesarean section. The woman’s family claims that improper stitching during the surgery resulted in leakage from the surgical site, asserting that trainee doctors managed her case instead of qualified experts, which they believe led to her complications and eventual death. Additionally, they alleged that she became pregnant despite having had a sterilisation procedure previously, accusing the medical staff of negligence in her treatment.
Hospital’s Response
In response to these claims, hospital authorities refuted the allegations, attributing the woman’s death to multiple pre-existing high-risk health conditions, such as obesity and severe hypertension. They clarified that while an infection was identified, it was not the cause of death. Furthermore, the hospital stated that there was no record of prior sterilisation and characterized the case as one of the rarest and most complicated they had encountered.
Background of the Patient
Sangeetha, the deceased, resided in the Amman Kulam Housing Unit area in Coimbatore and was admitted to CMCH after her health deteriorated during pregnancy. She was a mother of two and had conceived again after a nine-year gap.
Family’s Allegations
According to her family, Sangeetha was receiving regular antenatal care at CMCH. On December 22, doctors informed them that both she and the foetus were in critical condition, necessitating an immediate Caesarean section to save her life. During the surgery, a six-month-old foetus was delivered, but the family was told that the baby had already died in utero. Following the operation, Sangeetha’s condition deteriorated. Two days before her death, leakage was observed from the surgical site, prompting a second operation. Despite treatment, she passed away on Tuesday night, leading to protests from her relatives at the hospital, who accused the doctors of negligence and refused to accept her body.
Family’s Complaints
The grieving family claimed that Sangeetha had undergone sterilisation at CMCH nine years prior, raising questions about her subsequent pregnancy. They alleged improper stitching during the surgery, which they believed led to infection and leakage. Complaints were subsequently filed with the Coimbatore collector and the police commissioner’s office. A relative shared concerns about the multiple incisions on Sangeetha’s body and the lack of clarity from doctors regarding her complications. They also alleged that hospital staff threatened her husband and mother-in-law when they sought to transfer her to a private facility.
Hospital’s Clarification
CMCH Dean Dr. Geethanjali addressed the allegations by denying any negligence, explaining that Sangeetha was admitted for her third delivery and had several high-risk conditions, including obesity and severe hypertension. She noted that Sangeetha was already under treatment for these issues, and the medical team prioritized her life due to dangerously high blood pressure. The foetus was reported to weigh only 360 grams, significantly below the normal weight for six months of gestation.
Dr. Geethanjali further explained that complications, including infection at the surgical site, were promptly addressed with scans and a second surgery. She highlighted that Sangeetha had abdominal adhesions from two previous C-sections, complicating the situation. On December 27, doctors found faecal matter on the stitches, leading to a procedure to rectify a suspected hole in the small intestine. Unfortunately, Sangeetha’s blood pressure dropped due to her obesity, making the case highly complex.
Current Status and Inquiry
The Dean clarified that no official records of sterilisation were found, emphasizing that pregnancies could still occur after such procedures, albeit rarely. An inquiry into the incident is currently ongoing. Following the filing of a case, the family is demanding a postmortem, which was initially suggested by hospital staff. The body remains in the mortuary and will not be released until the postmortem is conducted. Dr. Geethanjali concluded that this case is among the rarest and most complicated handled by the hospital, firmly denying any allegations of negligence.