Sambalpur: Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla has come under scrutiny after the death of another pregnant woman on Wednesday, pushing the tally of maternal deaths at the facility to six in just one week.
The latest fatality has triggered widespread anxiety among families and local activists, many of whom have raised questions about possible medicine side effects or lapses in treatment protocols at the premier government medical institution serving western Odisha.
VIMSAR Director Dr Lalmohan Nayak has firmly rejected allegations of adverse drug reactions or wrong treatment. He attributed several of the deaths to complications arising from high blood pressure and sickle cell disease, conditions known to pose significant risks during pregnancy.
He, however, acknowledged that the precise cause of Wednesday’s death is still under investigation. “Many of these are referral cases,” he added.
VIMAR Superintendent Prof Sunil Sharma said that such deaths at the hospital are reviewed regularly. “The HoDs submits weekly reports on any deaths,” he added.
Sources further stated that seven women have died during delivery at the hospital between May 1 and May 6. Six among them are under scrutiny. While one was suffering from sickle cell disease, another had developed complications following an alleged attempt to terminate the pregnancy. Three others were referred and admitted to VIMSAR in critical condition.
Though officials emphasise underlying medical complications, grieving families and community members continue to demand a thorough, transparent probe to rule out any systemic issues or negligence. The hospital is expected to submit a report on the deaths to the Health Department on Thursday.
