What happened in Chennai on Monday is unpardonable. It was a black World Health Day. A mother and her newborn died in the city, as a result of the total negligence of the medical staff of a Corporation Hospital.

Kalaivani, a twenty three year old woman, who had delivered a still born baby on Sunday night died in a garbage truck due to excessive bleeding on Sunday night.

Earlier, she was admitted in the Perambur Corporation Hospital on Saturday morning She developed labour pains on Sunday morning. That night she was heavily bleeding. The hospital staff claimed that they didn't have sufficient facilities to treat her. They advised her to be admitted to a nearby Hospital. However, around 1 am, she delivered a still born baby. She was transported to the RSRM Hospital in a garbage lorry, as the hospital's ambulance was not available. It was too late and she died while being transported.

What else is this but sheer medical negligence? Their incompetence showed utter disregard for life and safety of their patient. There is little doubt that the medical staff exhibited gross lack of competence and inaction and wanton indifference to the safety of Kalaivani and her newborn. And this has arisen from gross negligence. This cannot be construed as error of judgment or an accident. They have acted with a morally blameworthy state of mind, recklessly. How can they be totally apathetic towards their patient?.

The Corporation has suspended two nurses and ordered an inquiry. This is not enough. Measures will have to be taken to ensure that such happenings don't recur. The confidence of citizens in our Corporation Hospitals will have to be restored.