The Japan Times - BMC rejects negligence claims in three Rajawadi Hospital maternity cases

The clarification followed Hira Bhandari’s allegation that negligence caused the death of her unborn child. Bhandari was 37 weeks pregnant, had two previous lower-segment Caesarean sections and was recorded as G3 P2 L2. Doctors could not reliably hear foetal heart sounds after admission and immediately advised an ultrasound, which confirmed intrauterine foetal death. The BMC said the absence of heart sounds after admission did not establish that death occurred in the hospital; timing would require review of scans and antenatal records.

A second case involved Rehana Begum Khan, a 33-week G2 P1 L1 patient with gestational diabetes and hypertension. The BMC said she had been advised to attend regular monitoring but did not return for about 15 days. When she came back, an ultrasound report showed intrauterine foetal death. The corporation said the hospital could not be accused of failing to monitor her during a period in which she did not attend.

The third case concerned Nusrat Jahan Khan, a first-time mother at 40 weeks and two days who was admitted for induction because the pregnancy had continued beyond term. Non-stress tests before and after induction were satisfactory, according to the BMC. She later developed meconium-stained liquor while another Caesarean for the same complication was in progress. Officials arranged a second operating theatre.

When Khan reached surgery, monitoring showed a baseline foetal heart rate of 140-150 beats per minute with decelerations to 90-100. Doctors proceeded with a Caesarean. The newborn had bradycardia, was intubated and resuscitated by a paediatrician, then transferred to intensive care. The baby died about 90 minutes to two hours later despite treatment.

Rajawadi Hospital’s Unit 3 recorded 13 deliveries on August 26: eight Caesareans and five vaginal births. Two cases were intrauterine deaths before delivery and one was a neonatal death. The BMC said the records supported necessary investigation and care and did not show deliberate delay or negligence. The families’ allegations and the civic body’s response have not been independently adjudicated.

S.Yamada--JT