Pregnant woman's death at NMMC hospital prompts review, pregnancy injections withdrawn

Sonam Dongre died on July 1. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The death of an eight-month pregnant woman at the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) Rajmata Jijau Hospital in Airoli has triggered a medical and regulatory review, prompting the civic body to withdraw the use of two commonly administered pregnancy injections.

Sonam Dongre, admitted on June 30 along with another eight-month-pregnant woman, Richa Mishra, died on July 1 after both developed complications following treatment. Mishra was shifted to Fortis Hospital in Vashi, where her condition is said to be improving.

According to NMMC, both women were administered a duvadilan injection (isoxsuprine) and a dexamethasone injection on June 30, with repeat doses given the next day. Soon after, both patients' conditions deteriorated, requiring ventilator support. However, Dongre succumbed.

Official Speak

Dr Kailas Shinde, NMMC Commissioner
The incident is extremely unfortunate. We have constituted an independent expert inquiry committee and directed it to submit its report within 15 days. Until then, the use of both injections has been stopped across all NMMC hospitals. Responsibility will be fixed based on the committee's findings, and strict action will be taken against the guilty.

Doctor suspended

The civic body has suspended Dr Bhavana Pagare, pending the inquiry, sealed stocks of both injections, and sent samples to the Food and Drug Administration, Thane, for testing. Dongre's post-mortem is being conducted at Sir JJ Hospital.

High-level inquiry

NMMC has constituted a high-level inquiry committee comprising the Thane civil surgeon, the head of obstetrics and gynecology at the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, a representative of the Navi Mumbai Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association, and NMMC's medical health officer. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.