SAT hospital clarifies after death of woman post-childbirth in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Authorities at SAT Hospital have issued an explanation following the death of a young woman, Sivapriya, after childbirth. The hospital superintendent stated that both Sivapriya and her newborn had shown no health issues during their stay at the facility after delivery.

According to the superintendent, Sivapriya was discharged only after medical tests confirmed that she was healthy. She had been referred to SAT Hospital from another hospital on 19 October due to reduced foetal movement. As she had completed 37 weeks of pregnancy, doctors decided to induce labour. She was given the necessary medication and treatment and delivered her baby on 22 October.

Sivapriya was discharged on 24 October but returned to the hospital on 26 October with symptoms of fever and diarrhoea. Tests confirmed that she was suffering from septic shock. A medical board was subsequently convened to coordinate her treatment, and she was admitted to the multidisciplinary ICU for specialised care. Despite efforts by the medical team, her condition worsened, and she passed away at 11:50 am on Sunday, the superintendent said.

The superintendent also noted that 17 deliveries took place at the hospital on the same day as Sivapriya’s, and none of the other mothers or infants reported any health complications. “Every day, between 20 and 30 deliveries take place here. On 22 October, 17 deliveries were conducted, and no health problems were reported among them,” the official said.

SAT Hospital, which has achieved a 98 per cent rating under the Central Government’s LaQshya quality standards, had its labour room and operating theatre certified as sterile by the microbiology department on 18 October, following the hospital’s monthly sterilisation check.

The hospital further clarified that it often receives referrals of patients in critical condition from both government and private hospitals, and it maintains one of the lowest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the region. “Our doctors make every effort to treat and cure even the most critical cases,” the superintendent added.

Meanwhile, Sivapriya’s relatives have alleged that her death resulted from an infection caused by medical negligence following the delivery. They staged a protest in front of the hospital, carrying Sivapriya’s newborn, demanding action against those responsible.