ALAPPUZHA: The relatives of a 36-year-old woman who died after giving birth to a baby staged protests in front of the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Monday alleging medical negligence and demanding action against the hospital authorities.

Barbara, 36, wife of Sibichan, Puthuval house, Vandanam, died in the hospital on Monday morning. She was delivered of a baby girl 10 days ago and was undergoing treatment in the hospital.

The Ambalapuzha police said a case had been registered under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC ) Act based on a complaint filed by the husband of the deceased.

According to officials, the victim had been suffering from stomach pain and breathing problems after delivery. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and died at 7.30 a.m. on Monday. Her relatives alleged that negligence on the part of medical staff had led to her death. The new-born is healthy and safe, they said.

Following the death, the relatives created a ruckus in the hospital and demanded that the inquest be conducted by a tahsildar and post-mortem examination by a police surgeon. “Both their demands were met. The inquest was conducted in the presence of sub collector and tahsildar, while a team of five doctors conducted the post-mortem examination. The body was later handed over to relatives, said an official.

Meanwhile, another case of suspected medical lapse was reported from the hospital. Relatives of a woman hailing from Punnapra, who gave birth to a baby girl a few days ago, alleged that she collapsed after a 3m-long cloth piece was taken out of her vagina on Sunday. They said that delivery, the woman complained of pain and consulted her doctor again. “Although, she was given painkillers, her situation worsened. She is currently undergoing treatment,” sources said.

Medical College Hospital superintendent R V Ramlal said a detailed probe had been ordered into both the cases. He said the cause of the death could only be ascertained after receiving the post-mortem examination report. Further action would be initiated based on the inquiry report, he said.

Minister for Health K K Shylaja, has ordered an inquiry into the incident wherein a woman was reported dead following delivery at the Alappuzha Medical College hospital.

The Director of Medical Education has been asked to conduct the inquiry and submit a report immediately.

Action will be taken if there has been any wilful negligence on the part of doctors or hospital employees, a statement issued by the Minister said.