Maternal Death Sparks Violent Protests at Private Nursing Home in Bhadrak; Family Accuses Facility of Negligence

Bhadrak, January 29, 2025 – The death of a woman shortly after childbirth at a private nursing home in Bhadrak has ignited violent protests by her family and local residents, accusing the facility of gross negligence in the care of the mother and child. The tragic incident has raised serious questions about the quality of healthcare at private hospitals and nursing homes in the region.

The deceased, identified as 29-year-old Priyanka Das, was admitted to the nursing home on January 25 for the delivery of her first child. According to family members, Priyanka had a normal pregnancy and there were no indications of complications before she was admitted. However, after her delivery, her condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly. Family members claim that the nursing home staff failed to act promptly, leading to her death due to excessive bleeding.

Priyanka’s father, Mr. Raghunath Das, alleged that the nursing home was understaffed and lacked the necessary medical equipment to handle post-delivery complications. “They told us everything was fine, but when we insisted on checking her condition, it was already too late. She was bleeding excessively, and they didn’t even have the necessary supplies to manage it,” he said, visibly shaken by the loss of his daughter.

The protests outside the nursing home turned violent on the morning of January 28, as hundreds of angry residents, along with Priyanka’s family members, gathered to demand justice. The crowd clashed with the police, and several vehicles were damaged in the fracas. Police had to use mild force to disperse the protesters, while also trying to calm the situation by assuring the family that an investigation would be launched into the matter.

Priyanka’s husband, Rajesh, was in a state of disbelief and grief. “I don’t know how to explain this pain. My wife and child are both gone because of the negligence of those people. They took my wife’s life, and now they’re trying to cover it up,” Rajesh said, pointing to the nursing home staff who were reportedly unwilling to provide clear answers during the chaotic moments after Priyanka’s death.

The nursing home has denied the allegations of negligence, claiming that Priyanka’s death was an unfortunate complication that could not have been prevented. Dr. Anil Kumar, the chief physician at the facility, defended the hospital’s protocols, stating, “We followed all standard procedures during and after the delivery. Unfortunately, maternal deaths, although rare, do happen in some cases due to unforeseen complications. We did everything we could.”

Despite the statement, the family and the protestors remain unconvinced, demanding strict action against the nursing home for what they describe as irresponsible medical practices. Many local residents have expressed concerns about the growing number of private facilities in Bhadrak that, in their view, prioritize profit over patient welfare.

Authorities have now intervened, and a team of health inspectors, along with the local police, has launched an official investigation into the matter. The district collector has promised that those found responsible for negligence would face legal consequences. In addition, a special medical committee has been formed to evaluate the nursing home’s compliance with health and safety regulations.

Bhadrak’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Meena Patnaik, stated, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The health department will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain whether any negligence occurred. If the nursing home is found at fault, appropriate legal action will be taken.”

As the investigation continues, the family of Priyanka Das has vowed to pursue justice through legal channels, and protests in the area are expected to persist. The case has brought to light growing concerns about the quality of healthcare in private medical institutions, with many residents demanding better regulation and oversight to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.

For now, Priyanka’s family is left to mourn the loss of a beloved daughter and wife, while Bhadrak remains on edge, waiting for answers.