Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 9: A 26-year-old woman’s death following complications after childbirth has triggered allegations of medical negligence against the SAT Hospital for Women and Children in Thiruvananthapuram.

The deceased, Shivapriya, a resident of Karikkakam, delivered her second child — a baby boy — through a normal delivery at SAT Hospital on October 22. She was discharged three days later, on October 25, seemingly in stable condition. However, within a day of returning home, she developed a high fever and severe discomfort, prompting her family to rush her back to the hospital.

Her brother, Shivaprasad, said that Shivapriya’s condition worsened rapidly despite treatment. “She was moved to the multi-speciality wing of the Medical College when her infection got worse. She spent two days in the ICU and was later placed on a ventilator. By Sunday afternoon, the doctors told us she was no more,” he recounted with grief.

The family believes the infection began at the site of the delivery stitches. “It spread to her lungs and bloodstream. Doctors told us it was caused by Acinetobacter, a bacteria often found in hospitals. She had no complications in her first delivery two years ago — this clearly happened because of hospital negligence,” her brother alleged.

Shivapriya is survived by her husband, Manu, a welder, and their two young children, including the newborn. The family has called for a detailed inquiry into her death and demanded that the Health Department take action if any lapses are confirmed.

In response, SAT Hospital Superintendent Dr. Bindu rejected the allegations, saying the infection seemed unrelated to her hospital stay. “The infection appears to be local. If it had been contracted during her time here, symptoms would have emerged sooner. She only developed fever and diarrhoea after being discharged,” she said.

Dr. Bindu also clarified that no other patients in the same ward had reported similar infections. “From the information available so far, there is no indication of negligence on the hospital’s part. We are, however, waiting for the final medical report,” she added.

Health authorities are expected to review the case following the family’s formal complaint, as public attention grows over the incident and hospital hygiene standards.