Mother, Unborn Baby Die at Coimbatore GH; Family Alleges Doctor’s Absence at PHC Delayed Treatment

Coimbatore: A full-term pregnant woman and her unborn baby died at Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital on Friday, with her family alleging that the absence of a doctor during her labour at the Telungupalayam Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) delayed her referral for advanced treatment.

The deceased woman's family alleged that the lack of a doctor at the PHC during a critical stage of labour and the subsequent delay in transferring her to Coimbatore Government Hospital contributed to the tragedy.

Shanthi, wife of Manikandan, a native of Madurai district, had been staying at her younger sister's house in Selvapuram, Coimbatore, ahead of her second delivery. The couple already have a five-year-old daughter.

According to Shanthi's sister, she went to the Telungupalayam Government PHC with her mother, Sundaravalli, at around 11 am on Thursday. A doctor examined her and reportedly advised that she be admitted. However, the family alleged that the doctor who initially examined Shanthi was not present during her subsequent labour, leaving her to endure the labour pain with only nursing staff available.

The family alleged that Shanthi underwent multiple internal examinations by a nurse and was asked to walk despite being exhausted. Whenever they enquired about the progress of her labour, the staff allegedly assured them that everything was normal and that she would deliver at any time.

They further alleged that Shanthi was administered an injection to induce labour without their consent, followed by an enema. According to the family, these procedures were carried out in the absence of a doctor, with only nursing staff attending to her.

As her labour progressed, Shanthi's condition allegedly deteriorated suddenly. The relatives said the staff informed them that the baby had passed meconium in the womb, following which arrangements were made to transfer her to Coimbatore Government Hospital.

The family alleged that they realised the seriousness of her condition only after reaching the hospital. By then, they claimed, part of Shanthi's face had turned greenish.

According to the relatives, Shanthi was taken to the labour ward at Coimbatore Government Hospital, but they alleged that treatment was not initiated promptly. Instead, staff reportedly questioned them about why they had brought her there, where she had initially received treatment and which doctor had examined her earlier.

The family also alleged a delay in moving Shanthi from the ambulance to the labour ward. They claimed that while they waited for her to be transferred, the ambulance driver appeared to be tying his shoelaces, while another person was looking for a stretcher.

Shanthi's mother questioned whether the outcome could have been different if a doctor had been present throughout her labour at the PHC and she had been referred to a higher-level medical facility earlier. By the time she received further medical attention, it was too late, the family alleged. Shanthi and her unborn baby died, leaving the family devastated.

Shanthi's sister said the family could not afford treatment at a private hospital and had to depend on government healthcare facilities. She alleged that lapses at different stages of medical care during her sister's pregnancy had culminated in the tragedy.

The family has demanded a thorough investigation into the treatment provided at the PHC, the alleged delay in referral and the emergency response at Coimbatore Government Hospital. They have sought strict action against those responsible if negligence is established.

The deaths have left Shanthi's five-year-old daughter without her mother. The family has also appealed to the government to provide financial assistance and support to secure the child's future.

The allegations have not been independently established. The family has called for a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the availability of emergency medical care at government health facilities.