Maharashtra: In a distressing case, a woman in Maharashtra’s Washim district lost her newborn baby allegedly due to gross medical negligence at a government-run hospital.
As per The Times of India, the incident occurred on August 2 at the Washim District Women’s Hospital, and the bereaved family has demanded a case of culpable homicide against the medical staff involved.
Hours of Pain, No Medical Attention
Shivani Vaibhav Gawhane, a resident of Palsakhed, was admitted to the hospital around 3 am for delivery. Doctors initially assured the family that her condition was stable and that the baby would be delivered by 10 am.
However, according to the family’s statement to The Times of India, despite severe labour pains throughout the night, no doctor or nurse attended to the woman for over 14 hours—from 3 am to 5 pm.
“We kept calling for help, but no one came. It was only after 5 pm that someone came to check on her. But by then, it was too late,” alleged Dnyaneshwar Gawhane, the victim’s father-in-law.
Allegations of ‘Inhumane’ Treatment
The family further accused the hospital staff of treating the expectant mother with cruelty during childbirth. “She was slapped on the face, her stomach was forcefully pressed, and she was examined by unqualified personnel,” claimed relatives.
Following the delivery at 5:30 pm, doctors informed the family that the baby had no heartbeat and was declared dead.
Call for Justice
Shivani’s mother-in-law, Lata Gawhane, expressed her anguish, saying, “Our daughter-in-law was left in pain for hours. Had she received timely care, the baby would have survived. This is nothing short of criminal negligence.”
The family has called for a full-scale investigation and stringent action against the hospital staff responsible.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response regarding the incident or initiate formal proceedings.
