Intro
Karnataka Minister U.T. Khader orders probe into Thirthahalli maternal death case over alleged McGann Hospital negligence.
Shivamogga
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the death of a woman after childbirth in Thirthahalli, following allegations of negligence by doctors at Shivamogga’s McGann Hospital.
The minister gave the assurance during a high-level meeting on the progress of the district health department held at the Zilla Panchayat hall on Saturday. He responded to concerns raised by MLA Araga Jnanendra and directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
Khader said it was extremely painful and unacceptable that such a case had occurred at a major district hospital like McGann Hospital. He instructed the Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner to appoint expert officials, complete the investigation quickly, and submit a report.
Raising the issue during the meeting, MLA Araga Jnanendra alleged that the hospital had failed to provide timely treatment to a woman from Thirthahalli who had arrived for delivery with severe bleeding. He claimed that she was referred to Mangaluru due to lack of proper treatment and died while being shifted.
Jnanendra questioned who would take responsibility for the woman’s death and demanded strict action against negligence. He also submitted medical referral documents from McGann Hospital to the minister, highlighting the seriousness of the case.
MLA Channabasappa said poor management at McGann Hospital had created difficulties for economically weaker patients. He claimed that after the establishment of Shivamogga Medical College, the district hospital had faced several challenges due to inadequate arrangements.
Legislative Council member D.S. Arun also criticised the alleged practice of referring patients to private hospitals without clear reasons. He urged authorities to prevent unnecessary referrals and improve healthcare services at the government facility.
The minister said several demands related to McGann Hospital fall under the Medical Education Department, while others concern the Health Department. He assured that a meeting involving the Medical Education Minister and district legislators would be held soon in Bengaluru to discuss solutions.
