Palghar, Maharashtra: The death of a 22-year-old mother, Preeti Jadhav, shortly after delivering her baby at the state-run Manor Rural Hospital has ignited a serious debate over the crumbling healthcare infrastructure in Palghar's rural belt. While the hospital maintains that a rare complication was responsible, political leaders and the victim's family are alleging fatal negligence and systemic failure.
Her husband, Rahul Jadhav, blamed the Manor hospital doctors and staff for negligence, claiming that the lack of timely medical attention and ambulance delay led to her death.
Boisar MLA Vilas Tare met with State Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to demand a high-level probe and sought stringent action against the hospital staff, calling the facility "reduced to a death centre."
The Fatal Complication vs. Alleged Delay
Jadhav was admitted to the hospital on Sunday morning at 8 am and delivered her baby normally in the afternoon around 3 pm. However, shortly after delivery, her condition became critical.
Hospital's Version (Dr. Rajguru): Dr. Prashant Rajguru, Medical Superintendent of Manor Rural Hospital, confirmed the death but strongly denied negligence. He stated that the patient developed a rare and serious complication—a protruding placenta and uterine inversion—leading to excessive bleeding.
He clarified that while a Class-I gynecologist, an anesthetist, and the lady medical officer were present, the surgical intervention required for this complication was unavailable at the rural hospital.
"We stabilized the patient and immediately decided to shift her to a higher centre. I personally consulted several doctors. All necessary steps were taken," Dr. Rajguru said. He confirmed that five units of blood were administered to her upon arrival at the referral facility in Silvassa.
According to Dr. Rajguru, the hospital first considered Palghar for referral, but the Palghar-based gynecologist they contacted was unavailable. “The patient was then sent to Silvassa by ambulance, accompanied by an MBBS doctor. Unfortunately, the oxygen cylinder in the vehicle ran out midway, so another vehicle with two additional cylinders was sent, and the patient reached Silvassa Hospital safely. This was a rare and unfortunate medical complication, not negligence,” he said, adding that no FIR has been filed against the hospital or staff.
MLA Tare's Allegations
MLA Tare, however, cited serious lapses. He alleged that when Jadhav's condition worsened, doctors refused treatment and advised the family to "take her elsewhere."
Crucially, Tare claimed that a '108' specialised cardiac ambulance was not made available immediately, causing a fatal delay in transfer. He further alleged that the ambulance eventually used ran out of oxygen mid-way, forcing it to return to Manor for a refill before resuming the journey toward Namo Hospital in Silvassa, Gujarat, where Jadhav was declared dead on arrival.
Dr. Rajguru added that the hospital could not secure a specialised cardiac ambulance but sent the patient in the available ambulance equipped with medical facilities and accompanied by an MBBS doctor.
Tare claimed the death was due to excessive postpartum hemorrhage, a direct result of administrative neglect and delayed medical response.
Systemic Failure: 'A Pattern of Negligence'
The MLA broadened his accusations, stating that this was not an isolated incident. He cited a similar case in September where a snakebite patient allegedly died due to untimely treatment at the same hospital.
Tare accused the hospital of being dysfunctional despite receiving crores of rupees annually. He alleged that essential facilities like oxygen supply, emergency ambulances, blood units, and maternity care infrastructure are grossly inadequate.
"Manor Rural Hospital should have been a lifeline for patients across Palghar’s rural belt. Instead, it has become a place of despair where doctors only mark attendance without any sense of duty or compassion," he remarked.
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Demands for Accountability and Reforms
Tare has urged Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to order an immediate high-level inquiry into the death of Jadhav and hold the responsible hospital staff accountable. He also called for a comprehensive audit of the 108 ambulance service and oxygen supply system at Manor Rural Hospital, along with financial assistance for the deceased woman’s family.
Additionally, Tare demanded a district-wide inspection of all rural hospitals to prevent similar incidents and the establishment of a Trauma Care Centre at Manor to better handle medical emergencies. Minister Abitkar has reportedly assured the MLA that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action will be taken following the inquiry report.
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