27-yr-old woman dies after docs remove foetus, uterus

A 27-year-old expectant mother died at a private hospital after her four-month-old foetus and uterus were surgically removed. Doctors claimed the baby had turned in her abdomen.

Venkatesh K, Kavitha’s husband, filed a complaint of medical negligence and accused five people, including the chairman and three doctors of the recently inaugurated East Point Hospital in Avalahalli, Bengaluru East taluk.

Venkatesh, a driver by profession, had married Kavitha four years ago. They were living in Bhairaveshwara Nagar, Nagarabhavi Main Road. On April 9, as Kavitha was unwell, Venkatesh took her to the East Point Hospital. After the check-up, doctors said Kavitha was four months pregnant and the baby had turned, which was not normal. As they advised treatment, she was admitted as an outpatient.

The next day, doctors said Kavitha was not responding to medication and decided to remove the foetus. But, due to extensive bleeding during the procedure, doctors asked Venkatesh to arrange for blood.

Venkatesh called up his relatives. 14 of them came and donated blood. Meanwhile, the doctors further informed that bleeding wasn’t stopping and they have to remove the uterus to stop it. The family agreed. Doctors assured that once the uterus was removed, Kavitha would be healthy.

After the surgery, Dr Ratna Bulusu told Venkatesh that the bleeding has stopped and Kavitha would be normal in 24 hours. She was then shifted to the ICU.

Venkatesh was, however, told Kavitha had a urinary tract infection. After some tests and scanning, he was informed that her kidneys, too, had failed and they don’t have the facility to treat her at the hospital. The administration asked the family to take Kavitha to some other hospital.

But when Kavitha developed severe breathing difficulties, they re-admitted her. On April 13, at 4.50 am, she died.

Venkatesh alleged that the hospital had taken the signature of Kavitha’s “illiterate” father. According to him, due to the medical negligence of Dr Ratna Bulusu, Dr Chandra Mouli, Dr Anand and other staff, his wife died. He is seeking legal action.

The hospital charged him Rs 80,000 for the treatment.

Avalahalli police booked three doctors, the staff and the chairman of the hospital under sections 304 (a) — causing death by negligence and 269 — negligence act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life. They are waiting for the post-mortem report.

When contacted by DH, the hospital refused to comment.