The deceased newborn's family in Mayiladuthurai alleged that doctor's refusal to perform C-section is what led to the infant's death.
Published Nov 12, 2024 | 7:54 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2024 | 10:50 PM
Despite the doctor's suspension, CPM members continued their protest
A newborn baby at the Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu died on Wednesday, 6 November, sparking public outrage and a protest by local CPI(M) members over alleged medical negligence. The attending obstetrician, Dr. Ramya was suspended in connection with the incident, which was condemned by state’s Doctors Association.
Meanwhile, the protestors, unsatisfied with the suspension, demanded further measures, leading to a six-hour roadblock and the subsequent arrest of 19 CPI(M) members.
Murugesan, a farm labourer from Marathurai village in Thiruvidaimaruthur taluk of Thanjavur district, admitted his wife, Sivaranjani at the Government Hospital on 2 November for delivery of their child.
The family sought cesarean surgery (C-section) since she was already in labour but the doctors allegedly refused. As a result, the boy child was delivered via natural birth on 6 November.
He was subsequently transferred to Chidambaram Government Medical College Hospital for advanced care as he was unresponsive but unfortunately passed away on Monday, the morning of 11 November.
The family alleged that, if not for the delay on the hospital’s part in performing the critical C-section surgery, the infant child could have been saved.
Following this, CPI(M)’s Mayiladuthurai district secretary, P Srinivasan launched a protest along with arty members and the child’s family in front of the hospital.
The protest, seeking justice over the newborn’s death, escalated when the protestors placed the child’s body on Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam main road. This blocked traffic for several hours, causing significant disruptions, including the diversion of buses due to traffic congestion.
District Revenue Officer R Vishnupriya and DSP Thirupathi arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the protestors but failed to arrive at a resolution. Following that, Deputy Director of Health Services, Banumathi then joined the discussion and assured the protestors that action would be taken.
In light of the protest, an official suspension order was issued for Dr Ramya on Monday, 11 November after an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that resulted in the infant’s death.
The suspension order was signed by the Integrated Child Development Program Officer in Mayiladuthurai and was forwarded to the Medical Superintendent of Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital, as well as the Integrated Child Development Program’s Regional Office.
After Dr Ramya’s suspension, the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association (TNGDA) issued a press release strongly condemning the suspension order.
According to the TNGDA, the suspension was issued without proper investigation, and the doctor’s identity was made public, putting her safety at risk. The release states that the doctor had handled 22 deliveries that day, including several cesarean sections, and that complications during childbirth were managed with intensive care before the baby was transferred to another hospital.
The TNGDA demanded immediate withdrawal of the suspension order, a fair investigation, and appropriate action based on findings.
The TNGDA also criticised the Deputy Director, Dr Bhanumathi, for issuing the suspension order arbitrarily, bypassing proper protocols and government regulations. The association has threatened to stage a protest at Mayiladuthurai Government Hospital if the suspension is not revoked and called for a union meeting to decide on next steps.
Despite this, CPI(M) members continued their demonstration, demanding further action. The protestors placed the infant’s body in a cooler box to preserve it, refusing to disperse from the site of protest.
Though police warned of health risks and infections with retaining the body for an extension period of time without burial or cremation, protestors held firm.
Eventually, cops intervened and confiscated the cooler and sent the infant’s body for an autopsy. Police officials led by Additional DSP Jayakumar, cops arrested 19 CPI(M) members who were involved in the protest for refusing to leave the site.
(Edited by Neena)
