Hyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged medical negligence at the Banswada Mother and Child Hospital, where 10 women reportedly developed severe infections following Caesarean deliveries. After visiting the affected mothers undergoing treatment at NIMS hospital, Harish alleged that the state govt’s failure to respond even after 10 days reflected ‘criminal negligence’ and a complete collapse of the public healthcare system.The BRS leader met the affected mothers and their family members at NIMS and enquired about their health condition with the doctors. He also visited the minor girl from Khammam, who is undergoing treatment at NIMS following a recent assault, and assured both families that the BRS would stand by them.Speaking to reporters, Harish said that 10 women who underwent Caesarean deliveries at the hospital on July 13 developed serious post-operative infections and were shifted first to the Govt Hospital in Nizamabad and later to NIMS, Hyderabad.He said five mothers — Fatima, Ruksana, Jyothi, Lakshmi Priya and Sunitha — are currently undergoing treatment at NIMS, and that the condition of three of them remains critical.Harish alleged that the incident pointed to serious lapses in the maintenance of the operation theatre, possible use of expired medicines and negligence by medical staff. Referring to allegations made by the victims’ families, he questioned why surgeries continued in the same operation theatre the following day even after infections had reportedly been detected among patients who had undergone Caesarean procedures earlier.He demanded that the govt immediately order a comprehensive, high-level inquiry into the incident, identify those responsible and initiate strict action against them.Harish expressed concern over the financial hardship faced by the affected families. He said one family had already spent nearly ₹3 lakh at a private hospital before the patient was shifted to NIMS, forcing them to sell jewellery and borrow money for treatment. He said the govt must bear full responsibility for providing advanced medical care to all affected women and extend adequate ex gratia assistance to every victim’s family.He also demanded that the govt make public the findings of any inquiry conducted into the Banswada incident and disclose the names of the officials and doctors responsible. He said those found guilty should face strict disciplinary and legal action.
