Neglect charges filed after pregnant woman dies at Jalpaiguri Government Medical College & Hospital

The family members also alleged that the hospital staff failed to provide clear answers regarding her sudden health deterioration and subsequent death

TT, Jalpaiguri, 26.10.24  : The death of a pregnant woman at the Jalpaiguri Government Medical College & Hospital (JGMCH) on Thursday night led to protests as her familyalleged negligence on the part of doctors and paramedical staff.

They also filed a complaint at Kotwali police station on Friday, seeking a probe into the incident. The police have registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem.

Sources said Susmita Roy, 28, who was from Garalbari in Jalpaiguri Sadar block, was pregnant and was admitted to JGMCH on Thursday.

Gopinath, her husband, said she had been under the care of a gynaecologist in Jalpaiguri.

“A few weeks ago, she was admitted to the hospital because of low haemoglobin levels and was provided with two units of blood. Her doctor had scheduled the delivery for Thursday,” he said.

When they took Sushmita to the hospital on Thursday morning, she was in good health.

“But by the evening, everything changed. The hospital staff gave her an injection and some medicines after which she started feeling unwell and eventually lost consciousness. We informed the on-duty medical staff who shifted her to CCU. She, however, could not be saved. We suspect there is a serious medical lapse and want the police to find it out,” said Sushil Roy, her father.

The family members also alleged that the hospital staff failed to provide clear answers regarding her sudden health deterioration and subsequent death.

Avinash Roy, Susmita's uncle, questioned the hospital’s response.

“She was talking to us right before the injection. How could her condition worsen so rapidly? We asked the attending doctor for an explanation, but he couldn’t provide one. We believe there was negligence involved,” he said.

After her death, they demonstrated on the hospital campus. The authorities intervened and assured them that the allegations would be looked into.

“Preliminary information suggests that there was no medical negligence. However, the body has been sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of her death,” said Kalyan Khan, the medical superintendent of Jalpaiguri Government Medical College & Hospital.