Chhattisgarh: 8 women dead after sterilisation surgery in govt camp, 4 doctors suspended

In what hints at medical negligence, eight women have died and 15 women are in critical condition after being operated at a government-organised sterilisation camp in Bilaspur.

On November 8, 83 women had undergone surgeries at the sterilisation camp held at Nemichand Jain Cancer and Research Centre at Pendari village on the outskirts of Bilaspur. The women had been discharged after providing medicines on Saturday night but within 24 hours of the surgery, most of them complained of vomiting and abdominal pain following which 29 of them were rushed to Bilaspur district hospital. According to a CNN IBN report the the government has suspended four doctors involved in Bilaspur sterilisation deaths and an FIR has also been registered against them.

Eight died after their condition deteriorated," Pardeshi told PTI. The deceased were all below 32 years of age.The condition of at least 10 others was stated to be critical, officials said

Preliminary examination suggested that hypovolemic shock or sepsis may be the cause of death, Deputy Director, Health Services Dr Amar Singh said, adding that a detailed autopsy report would reveal the exact reason behind the deaths.

Bilaspur Collector Siddhartha Komal Pardeshi has ordered a probe into the incident and had said strict action will be taken against those who will be found guilty.

These camps are held between October and February and women who go through the surgery are reportedly given Rs 1,400, reports NDTV .

The government has responded by setting up a three-member panel to investigate the incident and announcing a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who passed away and Rs 50,000 for those who are admitted in hospital

However, the opposition Congress has already attacked the state government and demanded the state health minister’s resignation:

with PTI inputs