An eight-month pregnant woman died after a suspected snake bite in Odisha's Malkangiri district, with her family alleging medical negligence.
The treating doctor was allegedly assaulted after relatives claimed the woman had been sent home before her condition stabilized.
Hospital authorities denied any lapse in care, saying anti-snake venom was administered according to protocol and an inquiry has been ordered.
An eight-month pregnant woman died on Wednesday (June 17), after a suspected snake bite in Odisha's Malkangiri district, following a deterioration in her condition after initial treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital. Her family later allegedly assaulted the treating doctor, accusing him of discharging her before she had fully recovered.
Hospital officials said Vandana Mandal, 28, was taken to the hospital late Tuesday night after the suspected snake bite and was administered anti-snake venom. She later returned home with her family but was rushed back when her health deteriorated. She died while undergoing treatment, triggering protests by relatives and local residents.
The family said they rushed Vandana Mandal, 28, to the District Headquarters Hospital around 1 a.m. on June 17 after finding a snake inside their home. They also brought the dead snake to help doctors identify the species and guide treatment.
According to the family, despite her condition not improving, she was advised to return home instead of being kept under observation. A family member told The Times of India, "She was still unwell, but the doctors asked us to take her home. Had she been kept under observation and treated properly, her life could have been saved."
After Mandal's death, her relatives and villagers allegedly assaulted the on-duty doctor, Dr. Sidharth Bhol, claiming she had been discharged before she had fully recovered.
Dr. Bhol denied any lapse in treatment, saying, "There was no negligence in treatment. The patient left the hospital on her own with her family members after receiving the treatment."
Malkangiri Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Nihar Ranjan Prahraj also rejected the allegations, stating, "We are sad over the death, but she was given proper treatment. An investigation will be conducted to find out how far the allegations of the deceased's family are true."
Police were called to the hospital after tensions escalated. Villagers have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and action against those found responsible.
Snakebite is a medical emergency, particularly during pregnancy, because venom can endanger both the mother and the fetus. As explained in MedBound Times' snakebite guide, anti-snake venom is the only specific treatment for venomous snake bites and should be given promptly when required. Pregnant patients often need close observation, as complications such as shock, bleeding, organ damage, or fetal distress can develop even after initial treatment.
Dr. David Williams, Technical Officer (Antivenoms) at the World Health Organization (WHO), advises, "People should not panic or waste time after a snake bite and should reach the nearest health center or hospital as quickly as possible."
He adds that "the best chance of survival is receiving proper medical treatment within the first 4 to 6 hours after the bite."
Even after antivenom is administered, patients may require continued observation because symptoms can worsen or new complications may develop over time.
Also see: Madhya Pradesh Snake-Bite Scam, 47 “Dead” People Claimed Dead 280 Times
While officials investigate the family's allegations, Malkangiri Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Nihar Ranjan Prahraj has said the patient was treated according to protocol and confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered.
(Rh/TP/MSM)