Beed Activists Demand Probe Into Childbirth Negligence Cases

A protest was staged outside the Beed District Hospital on Monday by social activists, including Dr Ganesh Dhawale, demanding a fair and independent inquiry into alleged medical negligence during childbirth at the Mother and Child Hospital attached to the district hospital.

The protest was sparked by the deaths of Chhaya Ganesh Panchal and Shaikh Muskan, who allegedly died during childbirth, as well as complications faced by 19-year-old Sandhya Suraj Gaikwad of Wadwani following a caesarean section. According to Dr Dhawale, Sandhya developed an infection after medical material was left inside her abdomen during the surgery and is currently undergoing treatment at Sassoon Hospital in Pune.

The activists have demanded that an independent inquiry determine the exact medical responsibility in each case and that criminal proceedings be initiated against officials and staff found guilty. They have also called for the competent authority to examine the medical licences of those found responsible.

Dr Dhawale raised concerns over patient safety at the Mother and Child Hospital, which was constructed at a cost of around ₹24 crore to provide quality healthcare, particularly to economically weaker sections. The demand for action comes amid growing concerns over alleged lapses at the hospital.

The protesters demanded that authorities should not merely constitute inquiry committees but should make their findings public and fix responsibility based on the findings. They also demanded an inquiry into previous deaths of women admitted to Beed District Hospital for childbirth.

A memorandum has been submitted to Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar and Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, seeking the suspension of District Civil Surgeon Dr Satishkumar Solanke until the inquiries into the alleged negligence cases are completed.

Several activists and citizens participated in the protest, including Shikha Yunus, Shaikh Mubeen, Ramnath Khod, and Dr Sanjay Tandale. The protest highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the healthcare system, particularly in cases of medical negligence.

The incident has sparked concerns over the safety and quality of healthcare services provided at the hospital, which was intended to provide quality healthcare to economically weaker sections. The demand for action and inquiry into the alleged negligence cases is a step towards ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the healthcare system in Maharashtra and the need for greater oversight and regulation to prevent medical negligence. The state government has been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the activists and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

In conclusion, the protest and demand for inquiry into the alleged medical negligence cases at the Beed District Hospital highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency in the healthcare system. The incident has sparked concerns over the safety and quality of healthcare services provided at the hospital and has raised questions about the effectiveness of the healthcare system in Maharashtra.