Medical negligence and illegal hospital operations reported in India

Two separate incidents of alleged medical negligence and illegal healthcare practices have been reported in India.

In Maharashtra’s Latur district, a 30-year-old woman died following a C-section at a private hospital that authorities claim was unregistered and operating illegally. Investigations revealed the facility lacked proper registration, an approved operating theatre, and adequate trained personnel. Police also allege the doctor involved was a government employee not authorized to perform surgeries at the private facility. Charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder have been filed.

In Nuapada, Odisha, a 40-year-old woman, Lachhanti Majhi, died after allegedly receiving an unprescribed injection while being treated for fever at a district hospital. The family claims the injection was administered by staff in the absence of a doctor, leading to rapid deterioration. Following the death, protesters demanded a high-level probe and compensation. A murder case has been registered against the attending doctor, Dr Ajay Panda, as authorities conduct a post-mortem and investigation.