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Coming under heavy pressure for the death of five women who underwent a C-section surgery at the Niloufer hospital in Hyderabad, the Telangana government on Friday kicked out superintendent Dr C Suresh Kumar, and resident medical officer Dr K Usha Rani.
Reporting that they were accused of prima facie negligence, the Times of India stated that an order was issued by Rajeshwar Tiwari, who is the Principal Secretary (Health).
The TOI report adds that Dr Suresh's services were 'surrendered', while Dr Usha Rani was 'shunted out', for further posting.
However, activists have alleged that the state government was just 'scapegoating' the two medical officials.
Reports add that Dr Shailaja, superintendent of Government Maternity Hospital, Sultan Bazaar, will now be in charge of the Niloufer hospital.
This termination, comes two days after the state government ordered a probe by an IAS officer into the death of five women at the hospital.
Hyderabad District Collector and Magistrate Rahul Bojja is conducting an inquiry into the death of the women after delivering babies during the last 10 days. He has been asked to submit the report within a week.
Health Minister C Lakshma Reddy announced the probe even as the hospital authorities shut down the operation theatres citing "periodic sanitation work".
The minister said the probe by the IAS officer will be in addition to the inquiry being conducted by a three-member committee. The Director of Medical Education on Monday formed the committee.
Taking a serious view of the deaths, the minister reviewed the situation with top officials. He directed them to take all steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future and initiate action against those found guilty.
The women died after caesarean surgeries, leading to a furore. Officials said one of them died due to heavy bleeding post surgery.
All C-section operations have been halted at the hospital and only natural deliveries are being taken up.