Woman Loses Baby After PHC Delay – Govt Pays ₹5 Lakh
The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the state government to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation to a woman who lost her baby due to delayed medical care. The incident took place at the Murukkeri Primary Health Centre in Villupuram.
Subbulakshmi, who was eight months pregnant, was urgently taken to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) on April 26, 2021, after she began bleeding heavily. Even though it was a clear medical emergency, the treatment she needed was not given in time. Sadly, her baby was stillborn.
Incident Overview
According to the complaint filed by Subbulakshmi’s mother, K Devamani, the delay wasn’t just due to a lack of medical response but also due to inhumane behaviour by the staff. A health worker reportedly asked Devamani to clean the blood-stained floor and bed before they were allowed to leave in the ambulance.
This delay in transferring Subbulakshmi to a better-equipped hospital likely cost her baby’s life. To make matters worse, Subbulakshmi contracted COVID-19 during the ordeal and suffered immense physical and emotional trauma.
SHRC’s Findings
The SHRC, led by member V Kannadasan, looked into the matter. During the inquiry, the medical officer, Dr. K Varadaraj, and auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) Prabavathi denied any wrongdoing. They claimed that appropriate care and timely referrals were provided.
However, the SHRC found otherwise.
The investigation confirmed that a staff worker named Muthulakshmi had told the complainant to clean the delivery room. This unnecessary demand delayed Subbulakshmi’s transfer and played a direct role in the stillbirth. As a result, the staff worker was dismissed from her job on November 6, 2022.
Internal Investigation
The SHRC also criticised the Directorate of Public Health for submitting an incomplete internal report. Key evidence, including Subbulakshmi’s statement, was missing. The commission found this deeply concerning, pointing to a lack of transparency and due process.
Compensation for Violation of Fundamental Rights
While the SHRC didn’t find enough direct evidence to blame the PHC’s doctor or nurse, it held the government accountable for failing to protect the patient’s right to timely and respectful healthcare. This was seen as a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Therefore, the commission ordered the government to pay ₹5 lakh to Subbulakshmi as a form of relief.
Call for Systemic Reforms
Beyond compensation, the SHRC made several recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies:
- Increase Staffing: More doctors, nurses, and trained health workers are urgently needed at rural PHCs.
- Improve Ambulance Services: Emergency vehicles should be better equipped, and maternal cases must be prioritised.
- Enhance Training: All health workers should be trained to treat patients with respect, urgency, and dignity — especially in emergencies.
Conclusion
This case highlights the serious consequences of delayed medical care and the importance of treating every patient with humanity and urgency. The SHRC’s decision not only brings some relief to the affected family but also sends a clear message: every life matters, and every patient deserves timely, dignified care no matter where they live. dignity — especially in emergencies.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
