Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary reprimanded officials of Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) District Hospital after a surprise Monday visit revealed that blood samples from women in labour were being handed to patients or attendants for lab submission, prompting her to order corrective action within two days.
During the unannounced inspection, Dr. Choudhary interacted with patients and their relatives, toured several wards and focused on the maternity unit, noting that pregnant women complained of difficulty obtaining required blood tests because the hospital lacked adequate facilities, forcing them to move between departments.
She highlighted that the National Commission for Women had already addressed 109 grievances on the first day of a public hearing and pointed out that blood‑testing services at BIMS are outsourced; if the contracted agency refuses to collect samples directly from wards, it should be replaced, adding, “They are being paid for the service and are not doing any favour.”
Dr. Choudhary instructed doctors and staff to ensure that pregnant women and other female patients face no inconvenience, emphasizing the hospital’s duty to provide a dignified and safe environment. She also warned that any harassment, intimidation or coercion of women officers in government departments would not be tolerated, urging affected officers to approach police and file complaints, after which legal action would follow.
Finally, she directed BIMS officials to review all complaints lodged by women and other patients and to resolve them promptly, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to safeguarding women’s rights in healthcare settings.
