Protesters, including relatives and local residents, blocked traffic on National Highway 503-A in Una, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday, following the death of a pregnant woman at the district hospital. The demonstration, which began on Saturday evening, caused significant traffic congestion on routes connecting to Dharamsala, Hoshiarpur, and Hamirpur.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Reena Devi, who had been admitted to the Una District Hospital four days prior for delivery, died during an ultrasound examination. Her family alleged medical negligence, leading to the widespread protest.
According to the deceased’s husband, Rajiv Kumar, Reena Devi was taken to the operation theatre for delivery. Doctors informed him that the foetus had died in the womb and that an ultrasound was required before surgery. It was during this ultrasound examination that Reena Devi reportedly passed away.
Following the family’s demand, a post-mortem examination was conducted by a team of doctors at Tanda Medical College. An FIR has been registered against the gynaecologist involved, Dr. Priyanka. The body was transferred to Tanda Medical College for the autopsy.
Upon returning from Tanda Medical College with the body, Reena Devi’s relatives requested the ambulance driver to stop at the Old Bus Stand Chowk in Una. There, they were joined by a large number of acquaintances and local residents who had gathered to express their solidarity and demand justice. The protesters occupied the road, raising slogans against the doctor and the hospital administration.
The protesting relatives specifically requested a copy of the complaint that the Una Chief Medical Officer had forwarded to the Health Secretary concerning the doctor. They stated that this document should be provided to them at the protest site.
Demands from the protesters also included the dismissal of the concerned doctor from her service and the cancellation of her medical license. They expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the medical emergency.
In response to the escalating situation, a significant police presence, including a quick response team led by Una Station House Officer Gaurav Bhardwaj, was deployed to the scene. The authorities engaged with the protesters in an attempt to de-escalate the tension and facilitate the movement of traffic.
The Medical Superintendent of the district hospital, Dr. Sanjay Mankotia, was summoned to the protest site. He assured the demonstrators that their demands would be conveyed to the government. Dr. Mankotia also informed the protesters that the post-mortem report was still awaited and that the police had initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reena Devi’s death. The investigation is expected to shed light on the exact cause of death and any potential lapses in medical care.
The prolonged protest led to extensive traffic jams across Una town, affecting commuters and local transport. The authorities are working to clear the highway and restore normal traffic flow while simultaneously addressing the grievances of the protestors. The outcome of the police investigation and the findings of the post-mortem examination are anticipated to be crucial in determining further course of action.
This incident highlights the critical need for accountability and transparency in healthcare services, particularly in cases involving maternal and infant mortality. The families of patients often grapple with the emotional distress of loss, compounded by a lack of clear communication and perceived negligence from medical institutions. The ongoing investigation aims to provide answers and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The prompt registration of an FIR and the assurance of a government-level review indicate the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case. The public’s role in demanding accountability through protests underscores the importance of citizen engagement in ensuring quality healthcare delivery. The response from the medical administration and law enforcement agencies in managing the protest and initiating an inquiry sets a precedent for handling such sensitive matters.
The community’s unified stand in demanding justice for Reena Devi reflects a broader concern for patient safety and the quality of medical care provided in public health facilities. The resolution of this matter is expected to bring some measure of closure to the grieving family and reinforce the importance of stringent medical protocols and patient care standards.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
