The Sikkim government has set up a five-member enquiry committee to investigate the tragic death of Sweta Karki, a woman from Gyalshing district, along with her unborn twins. Sweta Karki passed away after being referred from STNM Hospital for advanced medical care.
Allegations of medical negligence and treatment lapses have been raised by Sweta Karki’s husband, Swarup Chettri, who claims that improper medical management led to the deaths of his wife and unborn twins. This incident has raised concerns among the public in the state, prompting an official enquiry.
The committee’s mandate includes scrutinizing the entire chain of events, starting from the patient’s admission to the hospital to her subsequent referral to another medical facility. It will evaluate the treatment and clinical care provided to the patient and assess whether the medical staff adhered to established obstetric and gynaecological protocols.
The enquiry will also investigate the circumstances surrounding the demise of the unborn twins and Sweta Karki post-referral. Additionally, the committee will identify any procedural shortcomings, patient care lapses, or negligence that may have occurred during the treatment process. The state government has instructed the panel to present its findings and recommendations within one week.
Senior officials and medical experts, including Dr. Pema Seden Lepcha and Dr. Suresh Madan Rasaily from STNM Hospital, are part of the enquiry committee. Other members consist of Dr. Anup Pradhan, Pooja Lohar, and Pratiksha Sharma. The government is taking this matter seriously and aims to establish accountability by investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.
