Sivapriya died of infection; report of expert panel out, no faith, says family

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The report of the expert panel said Sivapriya of Karikkakam died due to infection post-delivery. The report says the bacteria staphylococcus is the cause of her death. The report said the bacteria can be found in common public places. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm from where the woman contracted the infection. The expert team had examined the reports related to the confirmation of the infection at SAT Hospital.

Meantime, Sivapriya's brother told media that he has no faith in the expert committee's report. He added that even if they fight against the hospital and the government, they will not get their sister back and that justice is needed.

The woman, who was undergoing treatment for a postpartum infection, died at around 11 am on Sunday November 9. SAT Hospital authorities had come forward with an explanation for the incident. Hospital superintendent Dr Bindu clarified that Sivapriya and the baby did not have any health issues during the days they were being treated. Sivapriya was discharged after tests showed that she was healthy. Sivapriya was referred to SAT Hospital from another hospital on October 19 as the movement of the foetus was slow.

A decision was taken to make Sivapriya, who had completed 37 weeks, to deliver. She was given the necessary medicines and treatment and she delivered on the November 22nd. After being discharged on the 24, Sivapriya, who came to the hospital on November 26 with fever and diarrhoea, was diagnosed with septic shock. The superintendent said a medical board was convened, coordinated her treatment and admitted her to the multidisciplinary ICU for specialist treatment, but her condition worsened, said the superintendent.