‘A Regular Feature’: Patna HC slams unregistered nursing homes after woman dies during childbirth

Patna: Following the tragic death of a woman at an unregistered private nursing home in Mohania, Kaimur district, the Patna High Court has criticised the rampant negligence prevailing in such facilities, calling it a “regular feature” in the state. The remarks came while hearing an anticipatory bail plea of the nursing home owner, who has been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Justice Rajiv Roy criticised the district administration, noting that it does not collect data on how many young women have died due to negligence at unregistered nursing homes.Also Read:Patna HC orders strict regulation of 40-bed hospitals after maternal death“A young pregnant woman visits a private nursing home anywhere in the state to deliver a child, her eyes filled with joy, then the unregistered private nursing homes make the parents bleed through their noses, showing them the moon while charging a hefty sum,” the court said on January 28, reports the Indian Express.In this case, the woman was admitted to a private Hospital, owned by the petitioner, where a visiting doctor performed the surgery. While the child was successfully delivered, the woman tragically died. The court observed that such facilities often lack basic equipment, specialists, or proper infrastructure, yet continue to operate unchecked, with district authorities turning a blind eye.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Patna High Court has issued a set of directives aimed at strengthening healthcare regulation in Bihar following a tragic case in Piro, Bhojpur district, where a pregnant woman reportedly died during a post-delivery blood transfusion at an unregistered private hospital. The incident, which left the newborn without her mother’s care, has prompted the court to call for strict regulatory guidelines for all hospitals in the state with one to 40 beds.
Considering the petitioner’s background as a nurse with no criminal antecedents, the court granted anticipatory bail. However, she was directed to deposit Rs 1 lakh in a fixed deposit for the welfare of the newborn child, which can only be encashed after the child turns sixteen and is intended for the child’s education.   Also Read:Protest erupts at Jajpur Hospital after woman dies post-deliveryThe court also directed the district administration and civil surgeon of Kaimur to ensure free education, healthcare, and health insurance for the child.This case has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulation and monitoring of private nursing homes in Bihar to prevent maternal deaths.