Health: A 28-year-old woman with postpartum complication, who was airlifted from Damphu, Tsirang yesterday is recovering at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu.

The woman who was admitted to Patalay Basic Health Unit in Sergithang gewog gave birth to her third child on the night January 30. But she suffered from placenta retention and was referred to Damphu hospital.

Damphu hospital’s Dr Chimi said that while the placenta retained inside the uterus, she suffered massive bleeding. “She was in shock and we could not record her pulse.”

Hypovolemic shock is an emergency condition in which severe blood and fluid loss make the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body.

The patient was brought to stable condition by 6.30am but bleeding continued. The patient was airlifted to JDWNRH at 3am yesterday.

“Postpartum haemorrhage is the most difficult complication; it is a leading cause of maternal mortality,” said Dr Chimi, who accompanied the patient to Thimphu.

In absence of gynaecologist at Damphu hospital, gynae-related cases are usually referred to regional hospital in Gelephu.

Last year, 340 gynae-related cases were reported at Damphu hospital, of which 89 were referred either to Thimphu or Gelephu.

Nirmala Pokhrel, Tsirang