Rewa hospital chief sacked after woman and newborn die
Madhya Pradesh's health department removed the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital superintendent in Rewa after a video surfaced of the administrator appearing to address the family insensitively as a patient died. The inquiry into Kalpana Mishra and her newborn continues.
Key takeaways
- The state government removed the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital superintendent in Rewa and replaced him with a professor from the same medical college.
- The action followed a viral video showing the administrator allegedly making an insensitive remark to the family of Kalpana Mishra, who died with her newborn after a C-section.
- The hospital remained under investigation for the deaths, with two nursing officers previously suspended.
- The replacement order provided no explicit reasons for the leadership change.
What Happened
The Madhya Pradesh government dismissed Dr Rahul Mishra from his post as superintendent of Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa. The charge was transferred to Dr Priyank Sharma, a professor in the general surgery department, effective September 1, with no reasons stated in the order for the change. The decision follows a video that circulated showing Dr Mishra interacting with the family of Kalpana Mishra, a 25-year-old patient who died along with her newborn after a C-section performed on August 26. The hospital was under inquiry for the deaths, and two nursing officers had been suspended by Dr Mishra’s own account, while he maintained that care followed medical protocols. Kalpana’s family alleged inadequate care and pleaded for examination and monitoring prior to her death.
Kalpana was admitted to the hospital on the night of August 25 and underwent surgery around 8:30 pm on August 26. Her father, Ramsharan Mishra, claimed repeated requests for examination and monitoring were made without response, and he urged the police to file an FIR against those responsible. Dr Mishra has denied negligence, blaming insufficient antenatal check-ups and stating that Kalpana had only two examinations, both at a private facility, prior to admission at the public hospital. He said a high-level inquiry committee was formed and promised action based on its findings.
Why It Matters
The sacking signals a government move to address alleged failings in hospital care and leadership amid a viral video and ongoing inquiry. The incident has drawn political criticism, with opposition leaders alleging political protection for the hospital’s leadership, and raising questions about accountability in public health facilities. The change in leadership occurs during an active investigation into the deaths, potentially affecting how further inquiries are conducted and how staff responsibilities are assigned during the process.
Background
Kalpana Mishra, a Hatwa resident, was admitted to the hospital in late August following complications after a pregnancy. The family has described a lack of timely care, while hospital officials and the public health department have described medical procedures and investigations as ongoing. The video in question purportedly captured a remark directed at a family member during the patient’s treatment, which sparked public outcry and criticism from political figures in the state.
Key Facts
- The Madhya Pradesh Public Health and Medical Education Department issued an order on September 1 transferring the hospital’s superintendent role to Dr Priyank Sharma, effective immediately, without listing reasons in the document.
- The hospital is Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, attached to Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa.
- Kalpana Mishra, 25, from Hatwa, underwent a C-section on August 26 at night; she died during treatment and her newborn also died.
- A video circulated showing a hospital official interacting with the victim’s family; the remark in question was reportedly: “You got your 22-year-old sister pregnant.”
- Dr Rahul Mishra, the former superintendent, denied negligence and attributed the death to insufficient antenatal check-ups; he claimed the patient had only two examinations prior to admission, both at a private hospital.
- Two nursing officers were suspended before the leadership change, according to Dr Mishra.
What Happens Next
The public health department’s order names the replacement and indicates the transfer will remain in effect “until further orders.” An inquiry into Kalpana’s death and the care she received is ongoing, with expectations of findings and potential actions based on the inquiry’s conclusions.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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