Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt on Saturday suspended Dr Priyanka Sharma, medical officer (obstetrics and gynaecology) at Regional Hospital, Una, following the death of a 33-year-old woman during childbirth-related treatment.The family of Reena Devi, a resident of Upper Arniala in Una district, staged protests on Friday and Saturday and blocked the Una-Hamirpur highway, demanding the doctor’s immediate arrest over alleged medical negligence.Reena was admitted to the hospital on Oct 7 and died on Oct 9.According to the health department’s order, an inquiry committee headed by senior medical officer Dr Vikas Chauhan was constituted on Oct 9 to investigate the incident and submit its report within three days.The hospital’s medical superintendent said Dr Sharma was unavailable for the preliminary inquiry and both her mobile phones were switched off.The suspension order, issued by health secretary Ashish Singhmar on Saturday, directs Dr Sharma to report to the directorate of health services in Shimla. She cannot leave headquarters without prior permission.
