2 ‘die’ after FP op, kin bid to attack health chief foiled

HYDERABAD: A group of angry people tried to assault Ranga Reddy district health and medical (DHMO) officer Dr Swarajya Laxmi for negligence in administering tubectomy operations on women, alleging that two women, who underwent family planning operations by a team of doctors, died after they developed complications.

The district administration organised the double puncture laparoscopy (DPL) technique in the sterilisation camp at the Civil Hospital in Ibrahimpatnam of Rachakonda police limits on August 25. A total of 34 cases were operated and discharged.

Public health and family welfare director Dr G. Srinivasa Rao said four women complained of acute gastroenteritis and approached private hospitals for treatment. While undergoing treatment, two women succumbed. The deceased were N. Mamatha, 22, resident of Narsaipally and M. Sushma, 22, resident of Lingampally.  

Upon directions of higher officials, Dr Swarajya Laxmi visited the place to console the family members. Angry over the incident, the family members of the victim tried to assault the DHMO.  Immediately, the Ibrahimpatnam police swung into action and rescued the DHMO.

“Mamatha was active when she went to the Civil Hospital for a tubectomy. Hours after the operation, Mamatha fell sick and was unable to walk. She complained of vomiting and stomach pain. Immediately, we shifted her to a hospital for proper treatment. While undergoing treatment, she died on Sunday. It was the negligence of doctors in performing the operation,” alleged Mamatha’s cousin Shekar.

Ibrahimpatnam Inspector R. Saidulu said they registered a case of suspicious death under Section 174 CrpC. Based on the post mortem report, the case would be altered against the doctors.

Meanwhile, villagers and family members of the victim staged a dharna at Ibrahimpatnam main junction demanding immediate action against the doctors for their negligence. The traffic came to a standstill for a couple of hours on Monday.

Dr Srinivasa Rao ordered an inquiry into the issue and asked to submit a report within a week. He also announced `5 lakh compensation, a two-bedroom house and admissions to surviving children of victims in residential schools.