Jaintia National Council Demands Justice for Pregnant Woman’s Death at Jowai Maternal Hospital

Shillong June 5: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has demanded an urgent and high level inquiry into the tragic death of a pregnant woman at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, on June 4, 2025. The council has alleged that the death was the result of gross medical negligence and incompetence on the part of the hospital staff.

The Council stated that it had received alarming reports indicating serious lapses in care, including failure to monitor the patient’s condition and an apparent lack of urgency by the attending staff. Such failure, the JNC said, represents a severe breach of professional responsibility in a government health facility meant to safeguard maternal health.

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In a letter submitted to the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), representatives of the JNC Western Zone and the JNC–Jalaphet Circle demanded the immediate suspension of all medical personnel who were on duty during the incident, pending a full inquiry. The council also urged the Health Department to constitute a high level investigation committee to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Beyond disciplinary action, the JNC has called for adequate compensation for the grieving family, particularly the children left behind, highlighting the irreversible loss caused by preventable negligence.

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The DMHO assured the Council that the matter would be handled with utmost seriousness, and that a formal inquiry would be launched immediately into the functioning of MCH Hospital and the role of the staff involved.