Woman Dies of Scrub Typhus in Gulmi District

A 35-year-old woman, Sita Pokhrel from Dhurkot Rural Municipality-4 in Gulmi, died of scrub typhus while undergoing treatment at the District Hospital in Tamghas. Following accusations from the deceased’s relatives claiming medical negligence, the hospital administration admitted to shortcomings. The hospital has decided to improve patient monitoring and healthcare services for critically ill patients in the future. July 18, Gulmi.

In Gulmi, a woman succumbed to scrub typhus. Sita Pokhrel, approximately 35 years old from Jaisithok, Dhurkot Rural Municipality-4, passed away during treatment at the District Hospital in Tamghas. According to police, Pokhrel was brought to the hospital for treatment on July 14. After initial treatment, doctors advised her to return if symptoms recurred within 72 hours, and she was discharged the same day. However, when her condition worsened again on July 18, she was readmitted to the hospital. During a health examination, doctors declared her dead around 11 a.m., said DSP Birendra Bir Vishwakarma.

After the death, family members accused the doctors of negligence. The hospital admitted that failure to admit the patient was a weakness. Following the fatal incident, the hospital has made several decisions to improve services. The discussions concluded that critically ill patients will be monitored until noon and admitted for treatment if necessary. Additionally, reports of such cases will be prepared and forwarded to relevant authorities for appropriate action.

The hospital administration also stated that they plan to coordinate and hold meetings with stakeholders to better manage patient flow and service arrangements. Training on behavioral improvements and patient-centered care will be provided to doctors, health workers, and staff involved directly in patient treatment. The hospital emphasized that following this death, they will focus on enhancing service delivery, management strengthening, and capacity building among healthcare personnel to prevent such incidents in the future.