Mom Slapped in Labor; Medical Negligence During Childbirth Kills Baby
A heartbreaking incident in Washim district, Maharashtra, has drawn attention to serious concerns over medical negligence during childbirth. A woman reportedly faced cruel treatment and was left without medical attention for hours during labor, resulting in the tragic death of her newborn. The family is demanding accountability and legal action against the hospital staff.
Admitted at Night, Ignored Until Evening
On August 2, Shivani Vaibhav Gawhane, a resident of Palsakhed, was brought to the Washim District Women’s Hospital around 3 a.m. after experiencing labor pains. According to her family, doctors initially said everything appeared normal and estimated delivery by 10 a.m.
However, despite intense labor pain, Shivani was allegedly left unattended for over 14 hours. Her family claims that neither doctors nor nurses checked on her from early morning until 5 p.m., despite repeated pleas for help.
Allegations of Abuse During Delivery
When medical staff finally examined Shivani late in the day, her condition had reportedly worsened. The family alleges that the woman was treated roughly, including being slapped on the face, having her stomach forcefully pressed, and being examined by untrained personnel.
Eventually, she gave birth at 5:30 p.m., but the newborn was declared dead shortly after delivery. Doctors informed the family that the baby had no heartbeat at birth.
Family Accuses Hospital of Inhumane Treatment
The grieving family blames the hospital staff for medical negligence during childbirth and insists that the baby’s death could have been avoided with proper care.
“Our daughter-in-law was in pain all day, and no one responded. The doctors and nurses ignored our requests,” said Lata Gawhane, the mother-in-law.
“She was treated without compassion. This is not just negligence, it’s cruelty,” added Dnyaneshwar Gawhane, the father-in-law.
They are demanding that a case of culpable homicide be registered against the responsible staff.
A Call for Accountability in Maternity Care
This incident raises serious concerns about the condition of public maternal health services, especially in rural Maharashtra. Medical negligence during childbirth not only causes physical harm but also deep emotional trauma for families.
Public health experts say that timely monitoring, trained professionals, and respectful care are non-negotiable during childbirth. Any lapse can have devastating consequences, as seen in this tragic case.
Conclusion
The death of a newborn under such circumstances has ignited widespread outrage. As the family seeks justice, the case underlines a larger issue: the urgent need for responsible, humane, and professional maternal care in government hospitals.
These allegations represent a severe failure in the healthcare system and a reminder that medical negligence during childbirth is not just a medical error, but a matter of life and death.
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.
