Deaths at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital spark inquiry
A 22-year-old woman and her unborn child died while undergoing treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital in Faridabad, health officials said on Thursday, as family members alleged medical negligence and delayed referral to a private facility.
The woman, identified by a single name as Reena, was admitted to the hospital at about 9 am on Wednesday for delivery, according to hospital records quoted by officials. Her family said she began vomiting on Thursday and, within 15 minutes, they were informed that both she and the foetus had died.
Relatives told police and hospital authorities that doctors had advised Reena’s in-laws to shift her to a private hospital, but the transfer did not take place. Reena’s mother-in-law, Dharamvati, alleged that no physician attended her for nearly an hour and a half after her condition deteriorated. The family has lodged a formal complaint with the police, seeking action.
“No doctor attended to her for nearly an hour and a half after her condition began to worsen,” said Dharamvati.
Hospital and police officials provided a different account, saying Reena had several pre-existing medical problems. Dr Jayant Ahuja, Chief Medical Officer, said a post-mortem examination has been carried out and the report is awaited. He added that a formal inquiry will be opened after the post-mortem findings are received and that necessary action would follow.
Yashpal Yadav, Public Relations Officer of Faridabad police, said the hospital’s preliminary report attributed the death to high blood pressure and related complications. He added that Reena’s father, Lalit, has filed a complaint alleging delay by the in-laws in transferring her to a private hospital, and that action will be taken based on the post-mortem and the inquiry committee’s findings.
What officials have said and the steps ordered
- Dr Jayant Ahuja said official letters have been issued to the attending doctor and nurses, directing them to submit a detailed explanation.
- The health department has ordered an inquiry into the deaths, to commence once the post-mortem report is received.
- Faridabad police have registered a complaint and said further action will depend on the post-mortem and inquiry outcomes.
The hospital statement and police comment indicate a possible link to hypertensive complications, but investigators will consider the full clinical history, timing of treatment, and actions taken by hospital staff and family members before any conclusion is reached.
Timeline provided by family and officials
| Time / Day | Event |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, ~9:00 am | Reena admitted to Badshah Khan Civil Hospital for delivery |
| Thursday, morning | Family reports she began vomiting; condition worsened |
| Within 15 minutes | Family says they were told both mother and unborn child had died |
| Afterwards | Post-mortem conducted; inquiry ordered by health department; police complaint filed |
The incident has raised questions about clinical escalation and timeliness of referral. Hospital authorities have sought written explanations from the attending medical staff and nursing team as part of the administrative process, the Chief Medical Officer said.
Police confirmed that Lalit, Reena’s father, has lodged a complaint alleging that the in-laws delayed moving her to a private facility. The complaint will form part of the police inquiry, which officials said will await the post-mortem report and the findings of the health department’s committee before deciding on further action.
The case highlights continuing concerns about maternal emergencies and the need for clear protocols on rapid referral and treatment in government hospitals. At present, investigators are limited to the facts recorded at the hospital and the post-mortem; no final cause of death has been publicly declared pending the laboratory and forensic results.
