Kullu Maternal Death Row Deepens: HMOA Backs Suspended Gynaecologist as Residents Continue Indefinite Hunger Strike
KULLU, JULY 3: The row over the maternal death of Manju Sharma at Regional Hospital, Kullu, escalated sharply on Friday.
The Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers' Association (HMOA) came out strongly in support of suspended gynaecologist Dr Anu, asserting there was no medical negligence.
At the same time, the deceased woman's family and local residents continued their indefinite hunger strike, demanding justice and strict action against the doctor and two nurses accused of negligence.
The state government has suspended Dr Anu pending an inquiry into the death of Manju Sharma, who died after giving birth at the hospital.
The suspension followed allegations by the bereaved family and area activists that negligence by the doctor and two nurses led to the woman's death.
Rejecting the allegations, HMOA said Dr Anu has an exemplary service record and is being unfairly targeted.
The association said she has successfully performed 1,969 Caesarean sections and supervised over 20,000 normal deliveries at Regional Hospital, Kullu, without a single maternal death, besides handling several complicated obstetric cases.
HMOA maintained that there was no lapse in treatment and sought a fair, scientific inquiry instead of what it described as a trial by public opinion.
The controversy has triggered a sharp divide in Kullu. Doctors and hospital employees have rallied behind Dr Anu and the nursing staff, maintaining that all established medical protocols were followed.
Medical staff have also demanded adequate security in the hospital, claiming they have been facing intimidation and an increasingly hostile atmosphere.
On the other hand, protesters allege that doctors and hospital staff have long displayed a high-handed attitude towards patients and their attendants.
They say Manju Sharma's death is not an isolated incident and have vowed to continue their Amaran Anshan until those responsible are held accountable.
The confrontation has also taken a legal turn. It is learnt that an FIR has been registered against a Saraj-based activist who has been spearheading the agitation, a move that has further intensified tensions in the district.
Father of Manju told media he lost his young daughter as she was not looked after well the entire team of doctors should have saved her if she had so many complications as doctors claimed .
The FIR lodged against Saraji should be withdrawn if today over 3000 people came, tomorrow number could be 10000, he warned.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has demanded a thorough and impartial probe into the maternal death, saying the truth must emerge through an independent investigation.
The issue has also put local Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur under pressure as the prolonged deadlock has affected normal functioning of the hospital and caused hardship to patients.
The district administration now faces the difficult task of restoring public confidence, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and conducting a credible inquiry into one of Kullu's most contentious medical controversies in recent years.
