By Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Investigations are underway into the death of a mother and her child during childbirth at the Matara hospital. The husband of the victim had complained to the Matara police that the death occured as a result of the negligence by the doctors and the staff of the labor room.

The City Coroner had refused to hold the inquest and had instructed the police to make arrangements for the magisterial inquiry.

Hospital Director, Dr.Samindi Samarakoon said she initiated a departmental inquiry into the incident in addition to the police inquiry, while the matter was also reported to the Ministry of Health.

Matara Additional Magistrate Lacith Chamath Madanayake who held the preliminary magisterial inquiry at the hospital mortuary, instructed the JMP to perform the postmortem.

The police are conducting further investigations. (Daily Mirror online)