Shillong, Sept 23: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday categorically denied allegations of negligence surrounding the tragic death of a newborn after a mother gave birth in the toilet of Nongpoh Civil Hospital.

In a media briefing, Lyngdoh stated, “After receiving the report of the child’s death, the first thing I did was to appoint a senior officer at the rank of Joint Director to gather all relevant information and brief me on the matter. The mother, a patient from Umden, was initially treated at the Umden Primary Health Centre. Given the complexity of her condition—she was approximately 19 weeks pregnant, which is under five months—she was referred to Nongpoh Civil Hospital.”

The health minister clarified that there was an ongoing investigation into claims that no ambulance was available at the Umden Centre, adding, “I am still awaiting the report on that.”

The patient arrived at Nongpoh Civil Hospital at around 3 AM, where she was attended to by both the on-duty doctor and the gynecologist. “She was given the necessary medication and later asked to use the toilet, where she was accompanied by her husband. Tragically, she experienced a spontaneous abortion during this time,” the minister explained.

Lyngdoh expressed condolences to the family, acknowledging their grief but emphasized that the situation was not a case of medical negligence. “The fetus was under five months, making it highly unlikely that the baby could have survived. The doctors’ records show that they provided the appropriate care, and while we deeply sympathize with the family’s loss, it’s incorrect to frame this as a case of negligence.”

She also addressed concerns about media coverage of the incident, saying, “It is unfortunate that the news has been somewhat exaggerated, leading to misconceptions. While I await the formal report, we remain committed to improving healthcare services in Meghalaya.”

When asked if the fact-finding committee had visited the hospital, Lyngdoh confirmed, “The committee has already visited Nongpoh and gathered information. The Medical Superintendent will issue a formal response to the allegations within a few days.”

The incident occurred on September 21, when Monalisa Langi, who was experiencing labor pains, was referred to Nongpoh Civil Hospital after visiting the Umden Primary Health Centre. She was admitted around 4 AM and provided medical care but later experienced severe pain. Despite receiving pain relief, she went to the hospital’s toilet, where she unexpectedly delivered her baby, who did not survive.

Read: NESO asks Centre to prosecute 21 Para SF personnel in Oting massacre case, repeal AFSPA from NE

WATCH: 

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub