A 23-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child have died following medical complications at a municipal hospital in Navi Mumbai, prompting allegations of negligence from family members and triggering a high-level investigation by civic authorities.
The incident occurred at Rajmata Jijau Hospital in Airoli, operated by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). Following public protests and growing concern over the case, authorities have suspended a gynaecologist and constituted an expert committee to examine the circumstances leading to the deaths.
Family Alleges Delay in Critical Care
The deceased woman, identified as Sonam Dongre, was eight months pregnant when she sought treatment after experiencing complications related to premature labour.
According to her husband, Karan Dongre, Sonam’s condition deteriorated shortly after receiving medication at the hospital. He alleged that medical staff failed to adequately inform the family about her worsening health and delayed transferring her to a higher medical facility despite signs that her condition was becoming critical.
The family claims they were not fully informed about developments until Sonam was shifted to another NMMC hospital in Vashi, where she later died while undergoing treatment.
Hospital Explains Treatment Timeline
NMMC health officials stated that Sonam was admitted on June 30 after reporting cramps during the eighth month of pregnancy and was being treated for possible premature delivery.
According to officials, she was administered dexamethasone on July 1, a medication commonly used in cases of anticipated preterm birth to help accelerate fetal lung development and reduce respiratory complications in newborns.
Soon after receiving treatment, her health reportedly worsened and she lost consciousness. Doctors initiated emergency care and later transferred her to NMMC Hospital in Vashi when her condition became critical.
Despite continued medical intervention, she could not be saved and was declared dead later that evening. Her unborn child also did not survive.
Another Patient Also Developed Complications
The case has drawn additional scrutiny because another eight-month pregnant woman receiving treatment at the same hospital reportedly developed serious complications on the same day.
The second patient, identified as Richa Mishra, was administered medications including dexamethasone and a drug used to manage premature labour.
After her condition worsened, she was shifted to a private hospital in Vashi for advanced treatment and ventilatory support.
Health officials have since reported that Mishra’s condition has improved significantly. She has been removed from ventilator support and is recovering under medical supervision.
Doctor Suspended Pending Investigation
In response to public concern and protests by political groups, NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde announced immediate administrative action.
The gynaecologist involved in the treatment has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Municipal officials stated that the suspension is a precautionary measure and does not constitute a final determination of responsibility.
Further action, if any, will depend on the findings of the inquiry committee.
Expert Committee Formed
Authorities have established a high-level investigation panel to examine every aspect of the incident.
The committee is being led by the Thane district surgeon and includes specialists from Mumbai’s JJ Hospital, members of professional obstetrics and gynaecology associations, and senior NMMC health officials.
Investigators will review treatment records, medication administration procedures, patient monitoring protocols, and emergency response measures.
Officials expect the inquiry process to take approximately two weeks.
Drug Samples Sent for Testing
As part of the investigation, authorities have temporarily halted the use of the medications administered to both patients.
The entire batch of the drugs has been sealed, and samples have been sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratory for quality testing and analysis.
The move is intended to determine whether any manufacturing, storage, or quality-control issues may have contributed to the complications.
Questions Over Patient Safety
The incident has renewed discussions about patient safety, communication between healthcare providers and families, and emergency care protocols in public healthcare facilities.
Medical experts note that medications such as dexamethasone are widely used worldwide in managing high-risk pregnancies and are generally considered standard treatment when premature delivery is anticipated. However, investigations are necessary whenever unexpected adverse outcomes occur to determine whether underlying medical conditions, treatment complications, medication issues, or procedural lapses played a role.
Investigation Results Awaited
At present, authorities have not determined the exact cause of Sonam Dongre’s death, and no official findings regarding negligence have been issued.
The inquiry committee’s report is expected to provide greater clarity on the sequence of events, the medical decisions taken, and whether established treatment protocols were followed.
Until then, officials have urged the public to await the findings of the investigation while assuring that a comprehensive review of the case is underway.
