HYDERABAD: A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Ranga Reddy district, where two newborns died after their mother was treated via video call at a private hospital in Ibrahimpatnam. The incident has sparked public outrage and led to the sealing of the hospital following a preliminary inquiry by health officials.
The tragedy occurred at Vijayalakshmi Hospital in Ibrahimpatnam, where Keerthi, a five-month pregnant woman, had been receiving antenatal care for three months under the supervision of Dr Anusha Reddy. Keerthi, married to Butti Ganesh Mudiraj of Eliminedu village, had conceived twins through IVF treatment in Hyderabad after seven years of marriage.
Remote treatment and critical delay
According to the family, Keerthi began experiencing severe labour pains around 4 AM on Sunday. When they contacted Dr Anusha Reddy, she prescribed an injection over the phone and advised immediate administration. However, as the pain intensified, Keerthi was rushed to the hospital.
Shockingly, the doctor did not arrive at the hospital but continued to provide instructions to nurses through WhatsApp video calls. Despite receiving treatment from the nursing staff, Keerthi’s condition worsened. By 10:30 AM, the twins were delivered stillborn. Dr Anusha reached the hospital only at 11 AM, informed the family of the twins’ deaths, and claimed that the mother’s life was not in danger.
To the family’s distress, the doctor reportedly demanded ₹30,000 at the time of discharge on Monday, prompting them to protest outside the hospital. The couple had reportedly spent over ₹5 lakh on IVF treatment and accused the doctor of negligence and absence at a critical hour.
Officials respond, hospital sealed
The incident drew the attention of district health authorities. Ranga Reddy DMHO Venkateswara Rao visited the facility, conducted a preliminary inspection, and announced that the hospital would be sealed. He assured the grieving family that justice would be served and that all current patients would be shifted to the Vanasthalipuram Area Hospital.
Speaking to the media, Dr Anusha Reddy defended her actions, stating that the patient was already experiencing heavy bleeding upon arrival and that emergency treatment was initiated immediately. She claimed that without their intervention, the mother’s life could have been at risk and denied any lapse in medical care.
Police investigation underway
Ibrahimpatnam Circle Inspector Jagadeesh confirmed that a case has been registered based on the family’s complaint and that an investigation is in progress. Authorities are also expected to examine the hospital’s operational standards and the legality of video-based treatment in such high-risk cases.
The deaths have raised serious questions about medical accountability and standards of maternal care in private hospitals, especially when dealing with vulnerable pregnancies resulting from IVF.
