Bihar News : Serious questions have been raised over healthcare arrangements at the Model Sadar Hospital in Bihar’s Siwan district after an HIV-reactive pregnant woman allegedly remained in labour for around 36 hours without receiving timely Caesarean delivery facilities.
The woman, a resident of a village in Basantpur block, was reportedly unable to afford a Caesarean delivery at a private hospital due to her family’s financial condition. It has also been alleged that health workers posted in the women’s ward asked her to leave the hospital on Sunday evening.
The woman’s family later took her to a person described as an unqualified practitioner. Subsequently, the family reportedly switched off its mobile phone.
Senior Health Officials Were Informed
The matter had reportedly been brought to the notice of several senior officials in the hospital administration and health department.
Civil Surgeon Dr Srinivas Prasad, District AIDS Control Officer Dr Ashok Kumar and Sadar Hospital Superintendent Dr Anil Kumar Singh were informed about the case.
Following this, the woman was provided a bed in the ward and treatment was reportedly started. However, the family alleged that no decisive step was taken in time to ensure the delivery.
Caesarean Delivery Was Reportedly Advised
An ultrasound conducted on Saturday recorded the amniotic fluid level at 10.20 centimetres.
On Sunday, health workers reportedly informed the family that the fluid level had reduced to around five centimetres due to leakage.
Despite nursing staff reportedly indicating the need for a Caesarean delivery, the woman allegedly did not receive timely surgery.
The case has raised questions about the availability of safe delivery facilities for HIV-reactive pregnant women at government hospitals and the implementation of programmes aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Questions Raised Despite Available Operation Theatres
The Model Sadar Hospital has three modular operation theatres. According to the information available, a Caesarean delivery of an HIV-reactive woman had also been conducted at the hospital a few days earlier.
The alleged delay in this case has raised questions about the functioning of the healthcare system and the facilities available for HIV-reactive pregnant women.
The incident has also led to concerns about the safety of the woman and her newborn and the responsibility of the authorities if complications arise.
Health Department Tracing Woman and Newborn
District AIDS Control Officer Dr Ashok Kumar said the department was trying to determine where the woman had delivered her baby.
“We are trying to find out at which hospital the woman gave birth. The newborn needs to be given Nevirapine within 48 hours to prevent HIV infection,” he said.
The authorities are currently trying to trace the woman and gather information about the delivery and the newborn. The case has raised serious questions over maternal healthcare facilities and arrangements for HIV-reactive pregnant women in Siwan.
