Director of Public Health conducts inquiry into death of tribal woman, her newborn child in Bhadradri Kothagudem district

Amid growing allegations of medical negligence in the tragic death of a 21-year-old tribal woman and her newborn child at Gundala in Bhadradri Kothagudem district over a week ago, a high-level inquiry has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

Controversy surrounding the incident deepened after the surviving family members claimed that artery clamps were found in the ashes of the late woman Kunja Vanaj at the funeral pyre, prompting demands for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Official sources claimed that Vanaja died of postpartum haemorrhage after giving birth to a stillborn child through a normal delivery conducted by a staff nurse at Gundala PHC on June 13.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Telangana, B. Ravinder Naik visited Kothagudem on Saturday and inquired about the incident from the officials concerned.

District Medical Officer Tukaram Rathod and District Health Services Coordinator Ravi Babu and others were present.

He asked about prenatal care services, the referral process and all other aspects related to the incident.

According to sources, he directed the officials concerned to examine all relevant records to ascertain whether there was any malpractice by the staff.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 21:15 IST