The management of Prakriti Hospital in Mohalla No. 8, Jalandhar Cantonment, has given a different account of the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, saying that the delivery process had not even started when the patient's condition became critical.
The woman died during treatment at the hospital. Her family has alleged medical negligence and staged a protest outside the hospital. The exact cause of death is yet to be established and is expected to be determined through the post-mortem examination.
When contacted, hospital owner Dr Shalini said the patient had a blood pressure-related health issue and had been advised to visit the hospital two days before the incident.
According to Dr Shalini, the patient did not come to the hospital at that time because there was a jagrata at her home.
She further claimed that the patient had been prescribed medication to be taken three times a day. However, according to the hospital's account, she was taking the prescribed medicine only once a day.
Dr Shalini said the patient's condition later became serious, but stressed that the delivery had not started when the incident occurred.
The woman’s family had alleged that she was administered an incorrect injection after which her condition deteriorated.
Dr Shalini denied this allegation. She said that the particular injection referred to by the family was not administered to the patient.
According to the hospital owner, only life-saving medicines were given when the patient's condition became critical. The family's allegations and the hospital's claims remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Dr Shalini also alleged that hospital staff and doctors were mentally and physically harassed by family members during the incident.
She further alleged that the hospital staff faced mob violence at the time of the protest.
The deceased body has been taken into custody and a post-mortem examination is being, further investigation are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and that of her unborn baby.