Negligence alleged in deaths of two pregnant women at Bihar’s Jamui Sadar Hospital
Two pregnant women died at Jamui Sadar Hospital on Sunday, October 4, 2026, sparking protests by their families, who alleged that no doctor was available when urgent care was needed. The deaths prompted a visit by Bihar Minister and Jamui MLA Shreyasi Singh, whose on-camera reprimand of the hospital management went viral and led to the formation of a three-member inquiry committee.
What happened
According to relatives, Anita Kumari, 28, began experiencing labour pain on Saturday night, October 3, and was first taken to a Primary Health Centre. She was then referred to Jamui Sadar Hospital, where she arrived around 11 p.m. Family members alleged that no doctor was present in the labour room at the time. Health workers reportedly told them that the doctor would arrive only after an initial assessment, but Anita’s condition continued to deteriorate through the night. She died around 5 a.m. on Sunday, before delivery.
In a separate case, Aastha Kumari, 26, from Chauhandih village, died hours after giving birth to a baby boy via an operation. Her condition was said to be stable after the procedure but deteriorated around midnight. Family members alleged that the female doctor was not present in the duty room. A doctor on emergency duty provided treatment that briefly improved her condition, but she worsened again on Sunday morning and died around 10 a.m. Relatives said a blood transfusion had been advised for the morning, but Aastha died before blood could be arranged.
One of Aastha’s family members said her husband, Ratan Singh, died in a road accident about four months ago, leaving the newborn son without both parents.
Protest at hospital
Angered by the deaths, family members of both women placed the bodies at the main gate of Jamui Sadar Hospital and demanded action against the doctors they hold responsible. The protest escalated tensions at the facility on Sunday.
Dispute over duty doctor’s presence
Hospital management said that Dr. Shalini was on duty from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday. However, relatives of the deceased alleged she was absent throughout the night, and that timely medical intervention was not provided in either case.
Minister’s visit and reprimand
Jamui MLA and state minister Shreyasi Singh visited the hospital on Sunday amid the protests. She first met the bereaved families and then confronted hospital officials, seeking an explanation from Deputy Superintendent Dr. Thanish Kumar over the alleged absence of the on-duty female doctor and the handling of the two cases.
In a video widely shared on social media, Ms. Singh can be heard asking hospital management why the patients’ critical conditions were not treated with adequate seriousness. She also questioned the reported absence of Dr. Shalini and why the concerned doctor was not called in at night, noting that patients require medical supervision even at midnight.
Ms. Singh said strict action should be taken against any doctors found at fault. She added that she would raise the matter with Health Minister Nishant Kumar and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Inquiry ordered
Following her hospital visit, Ms. Singh met the District Magistrate. She was informed that a three-member committee, headed by the Deputy Development Commissioner, had been constituted to investigate the deaths. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours.
Why it matters
The two deaths have reignited concerns about night-time staffing and emergency response in district hospitals. With relatives alleging a lack of timely medical attention and hospital authorities insisting the duty roster was in place, the inquiry report is expected to clarify what transpired overnight and identify any lapses in protocol or supervision.
As of Sunday night, protests at the hospital had subsided, but families continued to demand accountability for the deaths of Anita Kumari and Aastha Kumari.
