The state health department today began a probe into mass caesareans performed on pregnant women in a brief two day span in a government hospital here, allegedly to suit the 'holiday' plans of gynaecologists.
Adding a serious dimension, health experts alleged that the number of caesareans performed every year in the state far outstrips the limit set by WHO.
While the UN health agency has fixed caesarean section not to exceed 15 per every 100 deliveries, it is as high as 45 in Kerala, a public health expert said here.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr K M Sirabudeen started gathering information on the incident from authorities of the Cherthala Taluk hospital on the shocking incident.
DMO sources said the official would visit the hospital today to take statements of affected women, their relatives and hospital employees.
Four doctors including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who had the charge of Superintendent, at the Cherthala Taluk Hospital, might be suspended in connection with the mass caesareans performed allegedly to suit the 'holiday' plans of gynaecologists.
The other three doctors are Dr. Siciliamma Thomas, Dr. Vimalamma Joseph and Dr. Khayarunisa. The four doctors were found guilty by the Director of the Health Department, Dr. Kumari G. Prema, who conducted the primary investigation on the issue. The investigation report recommended that the expert doctors at Medical College should be ordered to conduct a probe into the case.
The probe will be started on Monday after removing the four doctors from their posts. They may be most probably suspended. The Director’s report finds a serious lapse in medical ethics. Nine caesareans were conducted on April 19 at the hospital. Normal delivery numbered five. On April 20, 12 caesareans and a normal delivery were conducted; on April 21, one caesarean and a normal delivery were conducted. It was on the light of these circumstances that the decision to conduct a probe by expert gynaecologists.
Meanwhile, R. Natarajan the State Human Rights’ Commission has taken a suo motto case on the issue.
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