SARLAHI, Sept 1: The relatives and friends of Apsara Thapa, 31, who died after developing complications during pregnancy, have vandalized Namuna Hospital of Harion accusing the health workers of negligence for the pregnant woman's death. The protestors also set a pharmacy near the hospital on fire and obstructed the East-West Highway for half an hour.

The area was tensed for almost the whole day due to the protests, which only ended at 4 pm. Police had to fire 11 rounds of teargas shells and baton charge the protestors to bring the situation under control.

According to the Area Police Office, they charged batons only after the protestors tried to enter the police office. Five police personnel and four protestors have been reportedly injured due to the clash.

Apsara was rushed to Namuna Hospital on Friday at 7 pm after the pregnant woman developed complications. The hospital kept her for observation for three hours before referring her to Birgunj Hospital. Apsara died on the way to Birgunj. The relatives of Apsara then returned the body of the deceased to Namuna Hospital asking the hospital authorities why they did not refer her to the hospital earlier if they knew that nothing could be done there.

Five-point agreement reached
The tense situation around the hospital calmed down only after a discussion between the relatives of the deceased, coordinator of Namuna Hospital Management Committee, Deputy Mayor of Harion Municipality and police officials reached a five-point agreement on the incident.

As per the agreement, a committee headed by Dr Abhinash Kumar Singh will conduct an investigation into the case and submit a report within seven days and that the hospital will be closed until the report is submitted. 

Similarly, the health workers involved in the case are to be kept in police custody until the report is submitted. The dead body has been taken to the district hospital for post mortem.

 
• Namuna_Hospital