Munish Sood
Kullu
In a significant development that signals the Himachal Pradesh government’s resolve to address mounting public anger over the alleged medical negligence case at the Regional Hospital, Kullu, the state government on Tuesday suspended senior gynaecologist Dr. Anu Devi.
The suspension order was issued by Health Secretary Sudha Devi following days of widespread protests, road blockades, sit-ins and hunger strikes demanding strict action after the d*eath of a 23-year-old pregnant woman, Manju (Rajni) Sharma, who died following a Caesarean section at the hospital on June 21.
The controversy had snowballed into one of the biggest public health crises witnessed in the district in recent years. The victim’s family accused the attending gynaecologist and nursing staff of gross medical negligence, insensitive behaviour and failing to respond appropriately when the young woman reportedly complained of severe pain after surgery. Protesters also alleged that some members of the nursing staff dismissed her condition as “drama,” charges that are now under official scrutiny.
The tragic incident triggered massive demonstrations across Kullu, with thousands of residents, social organisations and political leaders joining the agitation. Protesters blocked the busy Dhalpur Chowk highway for hours and later launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the immediate suspension of the doctor and a fair investigation into the circumstances leading to the woman’s d*eath.
Responding to the growing public pressure, the government headed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stepped in and ordered disciplinary action. The suspension of Dr. Anu Devi is being viewed as the first major administrative action in the case and reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing public concerns while ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, the magisterial inquiry ordered by the district administration is continuing. A high-level committee comprising the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is conducting a detailed investigation into the treatment records, medical procedures followed and the sequence of events that culminated in the patient’s d*eath.
The inquiry has also been tasked with examining allegations that several earlier complaints and even previous FIRs against the same doctor were ignored by the hospital administration. Authorities are expected to scrutinise whether institutional lapses allowed repeated complaints to go unaddressed.
The role of the nursing staff is also under investigation, with protesters insisting that all those responsible for any negligence or misconduct should face disciplinary as well as legal action.
The victim’s family has welcomed the suspension but maintained that their struggle will continue until the inquiry is completed and all those found responsible are brought to justice. Protest leaders have similarly described the government’s decision as an important first step while reiterating their demand for transparent and time-bound action.
With the suspension now in place and the probe gathering pace, the Himachal Pradesh government has sent a clear message that allegations of medical negligence in public healthcare institutions will be dealt with seriously, while the final outcome will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
