Inquiry ordered after two pregnant women die at Bihar hospital

Authorities in Bihar have ordered an inquiry after two pregnant women died at Jamui Sadar Hospital on Sunday, with their families alleging that doctors were unavailable and necessary treatment was delayed. The families placed the bodies at the hospital’s main gate and protested. One woman, Anita Kumari, died before giving birth, while the other, Aastha Kumari, died after delivering a baby boy and undergoing an operation.

According to Anita’s family, the 28-year-old was taken to a primary health centre on Saturday night after labour pains and referred to the district hospital. She arrived at about 11 p.m., but relatives said no doctor was present in the labour room. They said her condition worsened through the night and that she died at about 5 a.m.

Aastha, 26, was reported to have been stable after surgery. Her family alleged that her condition deteriorated around midnight and that she was not regularly monitored because the female doctor they expected to be on duty was absent. They said a blood transfusion was proposed but could not be arranged before her death at about 10 a.m.

Hospital management said Dr Shalini was assigned to work from 8 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday.

The family members disputed that account, saying she was not present throughout the night. Shreyasi Singh, a Bihar minister and Jamui legislator, visited the hospital, met the families and demanded an explanation from Deputy Superintendent Dr Thanish Kumar. A video showed her criticising the management and calling for action against doctors found responsible.

The district magistrate later told Singh that a three-member committee headed by the deputy development commissioner had been formed. It was expected to submit its report within 24 hours.