In a stunning incident that has sparked widespread headlines and concern, a woman in Madhya Pradesh, India, was erroneously informed that her unborn child had died, only to deliver a healthy baby hours later. This troubling case highlights not only the medical oversight involved but also raises pressing questions about the healthcare system.
The Misdiagnosis
On July 15th, Durga Dwivedi, a 24-year-old woman from Chakera village in Rampur Baghelan, was first admitted to Amarpatan Civil Hospital around 2 AM after experiencing labor pains. Accompanied by an ASHA worker, she was referred to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government District Hospital in Satna by 4 AM due to her high-risk pregnancy.
Upon reaching the hospital around 7:30 AM, routine blood tests were ordered. Around 9 AM, a senior resident doctor performed a Doppler examination but was unable to detect a fetal heartbeat. A subsequent sonography also showed no fetal movement. Based on these findings, the doctors concluded that the fetus had died and advised a medication-based abortion.
Durga’s husband, Rahul Dwivedi, expressed disbelief at the diagnosis. “Despite being told there was no heartbeat, we felt we had to be sure before taking any step,” he told local media.
A Second Chance
Unwilling to accept the diagnosis, Durga's family took her to a diagnostic center in Bharhutnagar for another scan. To their astonishment, the fresh sonography confirmed that the baby was alive and healthy. Without delay, Durga was shifted to a private nursing home where she underwent a cesarean section. She gave birth to a healthy 3.5 kg baby boy. Doctors at the private hospital repeated the ultrasound and found all vital signs and growth indicators to be normal, prompting them to proceed with the delivery. The baby was born without complications.
A System in Question
The case has triggered an official inquiry into the suspected negligence by the district hospital. Dr. Manju Singh, who oversees the hospital's maternity wing, stated that both the Doppler and sonography had failed to detect a heartbeat, which led the team to declare the fetus dead.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. L.K. Tiwari confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. A letter has been sent to the Dean of the Medical College and the Civil Surgeon. So far, the names of three doctors have come up in the inquiry, including a senior resident in radiology and a gynecologist involved in the diagnosis. Strict action has been promised if any lapse is confirmed. Meanwhile, Durga and her newborn are recovering well.
The family has demanded accountability from the hospital authorities. “If we had followed their advice, our living baby would have died needlessly,” a relative told India Today TV.
The Broader Context: Infant Mortality Rate
This incident raises broader concerns about maternal and infant healthcare, particularly in regions like Madhya Pradesh, where the infant mortality rate (IMR) remains disconcertingly high. As of recent reports,
Madhya Pradesh has one of the highest IMR rates in India, with figures hovering around 47 deaths per 1,000 live births. This statistic underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in healthcare.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Healthcare?
This incident raises critical questions about patient trust, the quality of healthcare in government facilities, and the protocols followed during diagnosis and treatment. Could this be a turning point for better practices in maternal care? Or will it signify another case lost in bureaucratic red tape?
(Rh/Dr. Divina Johncy Rosario/MSM/SE)