Minister orders full scale inquiry into mother's death

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

A probe is on to find the cause of the death of a woman following a caesarian operation.

A Health Ministry spokesman said Minister Maithripala Sirisena has ordered a full scale investigation into the death of the woman aged 27 at the De Soysa Maternity Home, Colombo. The investigation will be conducted to find out the real cause of death and the quality of antibiotics given to her, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Ravindra Ruberu has instructed Health Services Director General and National Drug Authority Director Dr Hemantha Beneragama to conduct investigations. Two teams from Medical Supplies Division and the National Drug Quality Laboratory and the National Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority have been sent to conduct investigations.

A specialist doctor attached to the hospital,giving evidence at the inquest into the death of the victim stated that the mother could have been saved if good quality antibiotics were available.

The quality of drugs should be decided by conducting relevant laboratory tests and analysis. A doctor cannot judge the quality of drugs without such scientific findings.

Therefore, the health authorities will conduct relevant lab tests to find out the exact quality of drugs, Miropenam and Augmentin that had been given to the dead mother. Health Ministry will take action according to the findings of the report, he said.

A 27 year old mother from Nittabuwa died after a caesarian operation was performed on her at the De Soysa Maternity Hospital, Colombo. She was admitted to the hospital for child birth and a caesarian operation was performed because of the delayed delivery. After the operation she developed fever and was given antibiotics. A prescribed laparoscopic operation had also been delayed.