Bargarh: Tension prevailed in Odisha's Bargarh district after a woman died nearly a month after undergoing a cesarean delivery at a private hospital, with her family alleging medical negligence and demanding strict action against the hospital authorities.

The deceased, identified as Shrusti Prabha Pradhan, was admitted to Purohit General Hospital in Bargarh on May 13 for delivery, according to a complaint lodged by her husband, Purna Chandra Sahu (33), a constable and resident of Hatisar village under Bhatli police limits.

Family alleges bladder injury during C-Section led to fatal complications

Sahu alleged that his wife delivered a baby boy through a cesarean section at the hospital. However, following the surgery, she reportedly suffered excessive bleeding. He claimed that the operating doctor accidentally cut her urinary bladder during the procedure, resulting in continuous blood loss.

According to the complaint, the family was not informed about the alleged complication. Instead, they were asked to arrange blood for transfusion before the patient was referred to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, at around 5.30 pm on the same day.

At VIMSAR, doctors reportedly informed the family that Shrusti's condition was critical due to a severe uterine infection. Sahu alleged that doctors there told them the infection had developed after the bladder was cut during surgery and subsequently attached to the uterus.

As her condition failed to improve, the woman was shifted to Vikash Hospital in Sambalpur, where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from May 14 to June 5. Following further deterioration in her health, she was moved to Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar on June 5.

Despite intensive treatment, Shrusti succumbed at around 10.30 pm on June 8 after battling for life for 26 days.

Holding Dr. Rama Krushna Purohit and the staff of Purohit General Hospital responsible for his wife's death, Sahu alleged that medical negligence during the cesarean procedure led to the fatal complications.

Following the woman's death, local residents and family members on Tuesday staged a protest in front of Purohit General Hospital, alleging negligence on the part of the hospital and demanding justice for the deceased.

A case has been lodged at the Bargarh Town Police Station seeking a thorough investigation, stringent action against the hospital authorities, and compensation and financial assistance for the deceased woman's children.

Police are yet to issue an official statement on the allegations. The hospital authorities have also not responded to the claims at the time of filing this report.