Eight women die in a week after Caesarean section in Ooty

Eight pregnant women have lost their lives in a week after undergoing Caesarean section in Ooty.

Most of the deaths occurred between December 24 and December 30.

Some of the patients, who were referred to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital after developing complications, also did not survive.

Relatives said most of them died of excessive bleeding post surgery.

Anandraj, husband of a victim Saraswati, said she was keeping fine till she was brought to the hospital.

"Until 10 pm she was keeping fine, the caesarean section was conducted around 1 AM. She was brought back to the ward around 3 early in the morning and she was unconscious. After that we brought her to Coimbatore for better treatment. But she could not be saved. She passed away at 10 in the morning," said Anandraj

Relatives of the victims alleged the absence of qualified doctors on duty when the operations were carried out.

"We do not know if the caesarean section was conducted by a doctor or even a nurse. The name plate of the doctor concerned also does not exist. From 24th of this month this is the 8th such death. Eight new borne babies are now in the ICU," said Selvakumar, brother of another victim.

Meanwhile, a medical team from Coimbatore Medical College Hospital has been sent to Ooty to probe into the matter.