Karnataka: Woman requiring C-section forced out of labour ward after argument between 2 doctors

Why was the pregnant woman asked to leave?

According to health officials, the incident happened on the morning of 13 April, when Dr Chowdaiah G, a gynaecologist, had to schedule a C-section for a woman from Shivagange of Nelamangala.

The woman was past her due date and it was her second child; the first child was born via C-section as well.

However, the hospital anaesthetist, Dr Chandrakala J, was on leave from 1 to 17 April and the gynaecologist had to schedule the surgery in her absence.

As the presence of an anaesthetist is important during a C-section, Dr Chowdaiah had requested a private doctor to provide anaesthesia services.

When this information reached Dr Chandrakala, it irked her. She rushed to the hospital while the patient was in the labour ward — almost prepared for the surgery — and allegedly barged in and questioned Dr Chowdaiah.

“The duo got into an argument and a visibly-angry Dr Chandrakala forced the pregnant woman and the other doctors out of the labour ward, locked the room, and refused to provide the keys,” a senior doctor from the hospital told South First.

Also Read: Doctors leave cotton pad in woman’s abdomen during C-section

Public and family members miffed

According to hospital staff, despite several requests by the family members, Dr Chandrakala allegedly paid no heed and walked away.

The patient’s family and other patients who were present there expressed angst and the family complained about the incident to higher authorities, including the district health officer.

The patient was immediately shifted to Doddaballapura Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance and Dr Chowdaiah allegedly ensured that the C-section was performed there.

Both mother and baby are safe, informed the doctors from Thyamagondlu CHC.

Also Read: K’taka forms committee to check C-section rates in district hospitals

Departmental enquiry on

Doctors from the CHC said that Dr Chowdaiah’s move was not wrong in itself as it was important for the delivery to happen on that day, as it would be a risk to both mother and baby if they had to wait till the 17th for the anaesthetist to return.

However, the doctors also said that calling a private doctor to be part of a C-section at a government set-up needs an MoU to be drawn up and signed by higher officials.

Weighing in on the incident, one of the doctors in the hospital told South First, “This was done to save a life and the concerned gynaecologist’s efforts should have been appreciated. Maybe it was not right for the gynaecologist to not inform the concerned anaesthetist beforehand. This could have been avoided. However, the latter’s reaction and action could have proved costly to the woman and baby if it was an emergency case.”

Meanwhile, following the complaints from the family members and Dr Chowdaiah himself, Dr Vijayendra, the district health officer, told reporters that a “departmental enquiry has been initiated. Once the report from the taluk hospital arrives, if the doctor is found erring, then action will be taken,” he assured.

Also Read: Kin protest after 2 women die after C-section surgery