11-month-old girl dies at Gadchiroli district hospital; probe initiated

Nagpur: An 11-month-old girl died at the District Women and Children's Hospital in Gadchiroli, triggering allegations of medical negligence and demands for a thorough inquiry. Civil surgeon Dr Varsha Lahade said that an inquiry was already initiated. The deceased, identified as Vanshika Sajan Lengure, a resident of Dibhna village, was undergoing treatment for pneumonia in the paediatric ward of the hospital. According to relatives, the infant was reportedly stable until about two hours before her condition suddenly deteriorated and she was declared dead. Family members and locals raised questions over the circumstances leading to the death.
Mahendra Brahmanwade, president of the Congress Committee Gadchiroli, visited the hospital and sought details from the administration. He demanded a detailed inquiry into the matter and strict action if negligence by doctors or hospital staff is established. Brahmanwade alleged the condition of healthcare services in the district remains worrying. He stated that Gadchiroli is a remote tribal district where poor residents depend heavily on govt hospitals for treatment, "but there is shortages of doctors and medical equipment". He alleged that negligence often lead to patients not receiving timely care. Dr Lahade said, "A senior doctor was attending to the child. A committee reviewing the case found initial paperwork to be in order. No drugs causing side effects were administered. Children at this age can be extremely sensitive, and even a slight fever can sometimes trigger complications such as convulsions. Apart from medication to control fever and an antiemetic for vomiting or nausea, no major drugs were given. A full screening and detailed review will be conducted tomorrow as part of the inquiry," she said.