Panel to probe death of unborn twins at STNM Hospital, fatal referral of mother

GANGTOK,: A five-member enquiry committee has been set up by the State Health department to investigate the recent death of unborn twins at STNM Hospital, Gangtok and the referral of their mother.

The woman, a resident of Gyalshing district, later passed away under treatment at a private clinic in Siliguri after being referred from the Gangtok hospital.

Her husband has alleged medical negligence and lapses in treatment at STNM hospital, claiming that both his wife and their unborn twins died due to improper medical management. The grieving family revealed that the couple had waited nearly 15 years to conceive, making the loss heart-breaking.

The incident has sparked public concern in the State, prompting the government to order a formal enquiry into the matter.

According to officials, the committee has been tasked with examining the complete sequence of events, from the patient’s hospital admission to her referral to another medical facility.

The enquiry committee comprises senior officials and medical experts, including Dr Pema Seden Lepcha, Principal Director of Health Services, and Dr Suresh Madan Rasaily, Additional Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital.

Other members include Dr Anup Pradhan, Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Central Referral Hospital; Deputy Secretary of STNM Hospital, Pooja Lohar; and Under Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Pratiksha Sharma.

The panel will review the treatment and clinical management provided to the patient and determine whether the attending medical staff followed established obstetric and gynaecological protocols.

Officials said the enquiry will also examine the circumstances that led to the death of the unborn twins and the subsequent death of the mother after referral.

The committee has been further directed to identify any procedural deficiencies, lapses in patient care or negligence, if any, during the course of treatment. It has been further tasked to suggest accountability measure, if warranted, based on the enquiry findings.

The State government has instructed the panel to submit its findings and recommendations to the competent authority within one week.

Officials said the government is treating the matter seriously and has initiated an enquiry to ensure accountability and ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.