Hyderabad – A Heartbreaking IVF Journey Ended in Tragedy
In a devastating turn of events, Batti Keerthi, a 32-year-old woman from Eliminedu village in Telangana’s Rangareddy district, has tragically lost her twins following an alleged mishap during a medical procedure conducted via video call. Keerthi, who had long awaited this moment after seven years of marriage, is currently grappling with her loss, which she attributes to what she describes as reckless and unprofessional conduct by medical staff during a critical time.
The ordeal began five months ago when Keerthi, after years of infertility, successfully conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and commenced her prenatal care under the guidance of Dr. Anusha Reddy. For the duration of her pregnancy, she was closely monitored at Vijaya Laxmi Hospital, where she initially received good news about her condition. However, following a routine visit last month, Dr. Reddy informed her that her cervix had loosened and required stitching to prevent complications. This type of procedure, while common, necessitates careful monitoring and follow-up care.
On the morning of the tragic incident, Keerthi began experiencing intense labor pains around 4 AM. Despite her immediate need for professional medical intervention, reports indicate that when she arrived at Vijaya Laxmi Hospital, no physician was present to assist her. Instead, Dr. Reddy remotely instructed nurses on the necessary procedures via video and audio calls. Alarmingly, reports suggest that while Keerthi was receiving treatment, her stitches ruptured due to a pain relief injection administered under Dr. Reddy’s remote instructions, leading to a dire situation that ultimately resulted in the loss of both her twins by 10:30 AM that day.
In a heart-wrenching account, Keerthi recounted the moments leading up to the tragedy, stating, “I had an ache in my abdomen. Over the phone, they asked me to take an injection. I was worried, so we came to the hospital within half an hour. The doctor advised the nurses over the phone, and they started the treatment on her instructions. The nurse checked me twice. I started bleeding. It is only after my babies came out that the doctor arrived. She said the babies had died. The doctor didn’t check me at all.”
Official Response and Investigations into the Incident
The local health authorities have reacted strongly to this incident. B. Venkateswar Rao, the District Medical and Health Officer for Rangareddy district, expressed his concern about the handling of Keerthi’s case, labeling the actions of Dr. Reddy as “extremely unprofessional.” He stated that a thorough inquiry would be conducted into the incident, and the findings would be submitted to the police and other higher authorities for further action.
Keerthi’s family, deeply affected by the tragic outcome, has lodged a police complaint against the hospital and the attending medical staff. An FIR has been registered under sections pertaining to medical negligence. Authorities have assured that further action will be based on the results of the health department’s inquiry. As per the report by The Times of India, the police are currently gathering further evidence and statements related to this tragic case.
The incident raises significant concerns regarding the safety protocols associated with telemedicine, especially in delicate situations such as pregnancy. The growing reliance on remote consultations, accelerated by the pandemic, has introduced various complexities. As telemedicine becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for medical professionals to ensure that such platforms do not compromise the quality of care that patients receive.
Telemedicine: Opportunities and Risks
The use of telemedicine has expanded considerably in recent years, promising greater accessibility to healthcare services, especially in rural areas. However, cases like Keerthi’s highlight the potential pitfalls when standard medical practices are not adequately followed. The incident underscores the pressing need for clear guidelines governing telemedicine practices, particularly in scenarios that require immediate and complex medical interventions.
Experts emphasize that while telemedicine can be a valuable tool for managing patient care, it is essential that healthcare providers remain vigilant and ensure that critical decisions are not made without direct in-person examination when necessary. The delicate nature of pregnancies demands that patients receive comprehensive care from qualified professionals, not just over a phone or video call.
Public Outrage and Calls for Change
The tragic loss of Keerthi’s twins has sparked widespread outrage among the public and medical community, bringing attention to the pressing issues concerning medical negligence and the need for stringent regulations governing telemedicine. Many are calling for increased accountability among healthcare providers to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions centering around the adequacy of telemedicine, with many users sharing personal stories related to medical mishaps. Advocates for reform are urging government bodies to establish clear laws and regulations regarding telehealth practices, particularly in sensitive and critical areas like obstetrics.
In light of recent events, the Telangana Medical Council may face scrutiny over its oversight of medical professionals, prompting discussions about the implications of telemedicine on patient safety. Ensuring that healthcare providers are held to high standards of care in all formats of service delivery is essential for the protection of patients’ rights and health.
As Keerthi and her family come to grips with their loss, the coming weeks will determine the outcome of the investigations into this tragic case that has resonated deeply across Telangana and beyond. The hope is that this unfortunate incident will lead to tangible changes within the healthcare system, ensuring that no other family has to endure such heartache again.
For further information on the implications of telemedicine in healthcare, you can read more about it[here](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7553070/) and explore the regulatory frameworks that govern it[here](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/telemedicine).
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