Hyderabad: Dr Girija Rani, owner of Anusha Maternity Hospital, did not have a licence to carry out a medical termination of pregnancy, according to the district medical and health officer, Dr Bajali Pawar.
Nineteen-year-old Harika’s 20-week-pregnancy was terminated by Dr Rani at her centre in Vanasthalipuram on Sunday. Post abortion, there were complications and the girl died.
The records of the Ranga Reddy district office show that Dr Rani was not registered as an obstetrician. “There is a permission required by the government to carry out abortion and that was not there with Dr Rani. She is a practicing gynaecologist but can’t carry out procedures like abortion which require registration with the government. The records show that the hospital’s registration had expired in January 2017 and they have failed to renew the same. Hence, we are now going to investigate the case and take action against illegal practice,” said Dr Balaji Pawar.
The procedure for aborting a 20-week pregnancy also requires opinion of two independent gynaecologists. Dr Bhavani Guda, senior gynaecologist, explained, “When a 20-week-pregnancy is to be aborted, there must be two independent gynaecologists registered in obstetrics with the government who must evaluate the case. They have to give a report in writing whether the abortion must be carried out.”
This is required as the pregnancy has gone up to 20 weeks and so the reason for aborting it at this stage has to be recorded properly by the treating doctor in the diary.
Dr Guda explains why such a process has to be followed, “Unwanted or illegal pregnancies are terminated at a very early stage. When a patient comes at 20 weeks for termination, then it is a matter of scrutiny. This is because medical issues like Down’s Syndrome, genetic disorders and other medical problems could be the cause for this demand and that has to be evaluated. At the same time, social issues like rape or sexual assault have to be ruled out by the police. The registered gynaecologists have to follow these protocols before taking up the case of abortion.” Dr Girija Rani didn’t answer despite several calls and messages.
