Uzbek Health Ministry Comments on Patient Death in Samarkand Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has commented on social media reports regarding the death of a woman in Samarkand region following intrauterine fetal death.

According to the ministry, on 10 April, the woman visited the maternity ward of the central hospital in Ishtekhon district with complaints of abdominal and lower back pain. During medical examination, doctors detected clouding of amniotic fluid and changes in the fetal heartbeat.

Medical staff recommended an emergency caesarean section and informed the patient’s relatives. However, the family refused the operation and transferred the woman to another medical institution.

Later, intrauterine fetal death was recorded at another medical facility. After this, the patient was advised to continue treatment at her place of residence.

On 11 April, the woman was again admitted to the central hospital of Ishtekhon district with a confirmed diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death. She was hospitalised and remained under medical supervision, but died on 14 April.

Following the incident, an оперативно-investigative group was established with the participation of law enforcement agencies and representatives of the regional health department. An internal service investigation and forensic medical examination were also ordered.

According to the conclusion of the Samarkand branch of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Medical Examination, the cause of death was pulmonary artery thromboembolism, complicated by acute cardiovascular and respiratory failure.

The Ministry of Health stated that a commission-based forensic examination has also been appointed to assess the actions of medical personnel. A pre-investigation inquiry is currently ongoing.