Maternal deaths at Cheluvamba: DC pulls up doctors

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha on Thursday advised the doctors serving in different parts of the district to discharge their duty with equal responsibility and seriousness.

Presiding over a meeting on maternal and infant deaths, especially in the wake of a series of maternal deaths reported in the recent past from Cheluvamba Hospital, the DC said, “Most of the maternal deaths occur at Cheluvamba Hospital in the case of women who are referred at the eleventh hour. This calls for practice with responsibility in both government and private hospitals.”

The DC is against blaming the hospital in case of deaths, as it is a collective responsibility of doctors. They should take precautionary measures. Pregnant women should be diagnosed carefully, while the Health and Family Welfare department should take stock of the facilities available for pregnant women, lactating mothers and infants in private hospitals, she said.

Most of the people who opt for treatment at government hospitals are poor and the government has devised various schemes for their benefit. The doctors should create awareness among people about such programmes. Besides, cleanliness should be maintained at the hospitals, she added.

The DC reminded the officials about the first phase of the pulse polio programme scheduled for January 17. They were asked to involve organisations and take measures for its success. District Health Officer Dr B Basavaraju, Dr Gopinah, and Dr Prasad attended the meeting.