What Caused the Death of a 20-Year-Old Pregnant Woman: Investigative Committee Provides Details

In Vanadzor, a 20-year-old resident, M.G., passed away due to medical negligence in August 2022. This information has been reported by the RA Investigative Committee.

Based on sufficient evidence, charges have been brought against three individuals involved in the medical operations of the 'Vanadzor Medical Center' for failing to perform their professional duties properly and demonstrating careless and irresponsible attitudes towards their responsibilities, which resulted in the death of the 20-year-old resident of Vanadzor, under Article 187, Part 2, of the RA Criminal Code.

The preliminary investigation revealed that on August 22, 2022, the 20-year-old pregnant woman sought medical assistance at the 'Vanadzor Medical Center' due to feeling unwell. Following an examination, a relevant specialist issued an incomplete clinical diagnosis of 'right lumbar spondylalgia' and prescribed medication, sending the pregnant woman home.

“A few hours later, she returned to the same medical center and was admitted to the obstetrics ward for inpatient treatment. Following that, the incomplete clinical diagnosis was continued with the prescribed medication; however, the condition of the pregnant woman worsened,” the statement said.

Subsequently, a joint examination of the patient was conducted by two relevant specialist doctors; however, it was determined during the investigation that this examination was performed improperly. Specifically, the same incomplete clinical diagnosis was reiterated, records of any lung examinations conducted on the pregnant woman were not noted, the main pathology was not diagnosed, and necessary medical measures corresponding to that pathology were not implemented.

“Against the backdrop of the patient’s deteriorating condition, a therapist consultation was assigned, which was also conducted improperly. Even noting 'vesicular breathing,' the main pathology of the pregnant woman was not diagnosed, and necessary medical measures corresponding to the pathology were not implemented,” the statement continued.

According to the expert conclusion received, the proper conduct of necessary clinical-laboratory and instrumental investigations would have allowed for timely diagnosis of the existing bilateral purulent-fibrinous interstitial pneumonia in the woman, and with the implementation of necessary medical measures, it would have been possible to save the patient's life while preserving the pregnancy, for which there were no objective hindering reasons in the medical center.

On August 25, 2022, around 09:00, an ultrasound examination revealed intrauterine fetal death in the pregnant woman. That same day, she was transferred in a critical, comatose state to the 'Republican Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology.' Despite timely and sufficient resuscitation measures taken here, it was not possible to save the young woman's life.