Odisha Health Dept reviews VIMSAR gynaecology department over maternal deaths

SAM BALPUR: A two-member team from the Odisha Health Department on Tuesday conducted a detailed review of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, amid concerns over a rise in maternal mortality at the institute. The team recommended immediate corrective measures to strengthen maternal healthcare services and help prevent deaths.

The team, comprising Additional Director (Medical Health and Family Welfare) Dr Muralidhar Padhi and maternal health consultant Soumyashree Mahapatra, inspected the department to assess the quality of maternal care and identify factors contributing to the high number of maternal deaths, according to news reports.

During the visit, officials reviewed treatment protocols for pregnant and postpartum women, safety measures followed during deliveries and surgeries, hygiene standards, and the overall functioning of maternal healthcare services. They also examined records of maternal deaths reported in June and analysed the circumstances surrounding each case.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that seven pregnant women died within a week in the same department at VIMSAR Medical College and Hospital in Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha.

The officials pointed out that MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, despite handling a higher number of deliveries and obstetric surgeries, has recorded a lower maternal mortality rate. They questioned why VIMSAR continued to report comparatively higher maternal deaths despite a lower number of deliveries and surgical procedures.

Why did the Health Department intervene?

Following the inspection, a detailed review meeting was held with faculty members and doctors of the department. Discussions focused on analysing maternal death cases reported in June, identifying the underlying causes of the fatalities, and developing strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in the coming months.

The review team stressed the importance of strict adherence to clinical safety protocols throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. They also recommended strengthening patient monitoring, improving clinical practices, and addressing deficiencies identified during the inspection.

After completing the review at VIMSAR, the officials also visited the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital to assess maternal healthcare services there.

What did VIMSAR officials say?

Speaking to the New Indian Express, VIMSAR director Prof Dr Lalmohan Nayak said the Health Department team suggested several measures to prevent maternal deaths. The institute will take necessary steps to implement the recommendations and strengthen maternal healthcare services, he said.

The review follows recent controversies surrounding maternal care at the hospital. A woman recently alleged that she lost her twin babies due to a delay in delivery at VIMSAR.

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