Lumbini, April 25: A team from the Medical Council assigned to investigate the death of pregnant Gita Pandey of Butwal has submitted its preliminary report on Saturday to its central office.
Based on a 72-hour study of the case, the team’s preliminary report has recommended that Zonal Pharmacy and Indulekha Health Clinic be sealed, and that Dr Satish Rupakheti be suspended for the time being.
Pandey, 29, from Baganaskali Rural Municipality-2 in Palpa, died on April 4 during the termination of her pregnancy. According to the report, she ultimately lost her life after frequently visiting the Butwal-based Khatri Nursing Home, Zonal Pharmacy, and Indulekha Health Clinic for pregnancy complications treatment.
Following the incident, the Council promptly formed a probe committee coordinated by Dr Samrat Parajuli. The committee submitted a 26-page report. It has recommended further investigation into the health professionals involved in the woman’s abortion procedure. These measures, though provisional until the final report is prepared, are considered to indicate serious negligence on the part of those involved.
A Zoom meeting of the Council held on Saturday decided to suspend Dr Rupakheti for the time being, endorsing the committee’s recommendations. It also agreed to recommend that the respective District Administration seal Zonal Pharmacy and Indulekha Clinic, and to initiate action against other health professionals involved in the treatment.
The suspension was decided based on the Medical Code of Conduct 2017. It is said that criminal charges may also apply in the case, and final action will be taken only after the Council completes its final inquiry.
Prakash Pandey, the woman’s husband, has filed an FIR against the concerned doctors and proprietors of the clinic and pharmacy, stating that the incident resulted from profit-driven healthcare practices rather than service-oriented care.
The report also reminds that abortion services should only be sought from legally recognized and certified institutions, and that abortions beyond 12 weeks can be complicated and risky, requiring mandatory supervision by specialists.
Members of the committee include Prof Dr Padam Raj Panta, Dr Rajendra Basyal, Dr Anup Panthi, advocate Gobinda Prasad Marasini, and Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Rupandehi Chair Dinesh Pandey from civil society.
