Maternal Mortality at SMCH; Family Alleges Negligence, Internal Enquiry Ordered

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue in India. It serves as a key indicator of healthcare quality and accessibility, reflecting the effectiveness of maternal health services. While the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has declined from 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-2020 to 88 per 100,000 live births in 2020-2022, the death of a woman at Silchar Medical College and Hospital on Sunday (April 19) raises fresh questions on the maternal health services available in rural Cachar.

A woman from Gumra’s Saraspur village in Katigroah died at Silchar Medical College and Hospital on Sunday (April 19), hours after delivering a child. The family of the deceased alleged medical negligence, and a tense situation erupted outside the Silchar Medical College and Hospital. This prompted the Cachar District Administration and police to intervene.

The deceased, Sujala Das, wife of Pijush Kanti Das, had been referred to SMCH from a health centre in Kalain and admitted on Saturday evening (April 18). According to her family, doctors had advised a normal delivery.

He said, “When we were referred here, it seemed that a normal delivery would not be possible and she would need a C-section. However, the doctor here assured us that a normal delivery was the way to go. I insisted on a C-section, but he did not budge.”

Her husband alleged that her condition deteriorated after childbirth, but the family was not properly informed. He further claimed that he was not allowed to meet her despite repeated attempts. Sujala was later shifted to the ICU, where she died due to complications.

Confirming the incident, Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent Dr Bhaskar Gupta said the death has been classified as maternal mortality caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). He added that the patient had suffered excessive blood loss.

“An internal enquiry has been ordered. A committee is looking into the matter, and if any negligence is found, appropriate action will be taken as per rules,” he told Barak Bulletin on Monday (April 20).

Following the incident, tension prevailed at the hospital premises, with police and district administration officials, including Sadar Circle Officer Kaustav Das and the Additional Superintendent of Police, Cachar, intervening to control the situation. The family has demanded strict action against the doctors and staff of the gynaecology ward, alleging negligence in treatment.