In a significant decision, the Madhya Pradesh health department has cancelled the license of Bhopal Hospital Multi specialty Trauma Centre in Berasia, Madhya Pradesh after a high-risk pregnant woman, 33, from Mengipura lost her life under tragic circumstances. The woman had delivered on October 22 last year at the facility but, allegedly due to negligence, was referred to Bhopal without proper medical support and died en route.

Negligence in Treatment

Investigations revealed that no gynaecologist examined her in the 10.5 hours she was admitted. The hospital conducted a cesarean delivery without a blood bank and referred her to another facility. Additionally, she was transported to Bhopal by a driver with no medical professional accompanying her. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari confirmed that the hospital did not follow prescribed medical protocols for high-risk patients, which resulted in the cancellation of its license.

State-Wide Crackdown on Substandard Hospitals

This incident highlights broader concerns about healthcare standards in Madhya Pradesh. In another report, the state government had withdrawn the licenses of 60 private hospitals in August 2021 for discrepancies such as lack of qualified doctors and proper medical facilities. It had been reportedly found that several hospitals were functioning without resident doctors and, in certain cases, employing practitioners of alternative medicine instead of having allopathic doctors. In addition, inadequacies like the lack of ICUs, operation theatres, and oxygen-equipped beds were reported.

Government's Commitment to Patient Safety

The health department has been actively issuing show-cause notices to hospitals with inadequate medical infrastructure, demanding improvements in facilities and staff qualifications. The state government has emphasised that only well-equipped hospitals will be designated for critical treatments, ensuring better healthcare and preventing future tragedies caused by medical negligence.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)