Odisha: Jailed Woman Who Died After Childbirth Had High BP; Did She Get Proper Medical Attention?

Rayagada: A 32-year-old woman, who died due to post-delivery complications after her release from Rayagada jail in Odisha, reportedly had severe hypertension, raising questions whether she received proper medical attention in the prison.

According to sources, medical records of Sulabati Naik, who was lodged in jail from December 26 to January 10, had extreme high blood pressure called pre-eclampsia. Health experts are of the view that the woman might not have got adequate medical attention in jail.

Gynaecologists said in such a condition, quick steps must be taken to take out the baby early to save both mother and child. Since she was in jail for over a fortnight, prison doctors should have monitored her blood pressure constantly and arrange for delivery to relieve her of the hazards of hypertension.

“Some pregnant women have pre-eclampsia between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. Blood pressure monitoring and management is essential in such condition. In case of Sulabati, it has been found that she had pre-eclampsia leading to ventricular hypertrophy,” Chief District Medical Officer of Rayagada, Dr Lalmohan Routray was quoted by TOI as saying.

Sulabati, a resident of Andrakanch in Rayagada district was among 13 women arrested for demanding jobs in a private company as their village is located very close to the plant. The company had lodged a complaint against these women. She was released on bail on Tuesday and soon developed pain, following which she was shifted to district headquarters hospital, Rayagada.

Information from the jail showed that on December 27, the woman’s blood pressure was measured by the doctor and it was found to be 150/100. Seeing her pregnant, doctors prescribed iron, calcium and oral tablets for blood pressure.
As per reports, she was taken to a health facility outside the prison on January 10 to consult a gynaecologist and an ultrasound was conducted. The blood pressure was found to be under permissible limit and January 20 was stated as expected date for delivery.

Meanwhile, Congress has threatened to gherao the private company in Rayagada demanding a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of Sulabati.

Congress MP from Koraput, Saptagiri Ulaka has reportedly said Utkal Aluminium International Limited (UAIL) was stated to have declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased’s family, job to her husband and steps to take care of the education of their 10-year-old daughter.

However, Congress demands a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the bereaved family, the leader added.