The preliminary post-mortem report of NRS Medical College and Hospital nursing staffer Rupali Barman indicates that she died of respiratory failure, with doctors suspecting that an overdose may have triggered the fatal condition. The findings are preliminary, and the final cause of death will be determined after further examination and investigation.
Preliminary report points to respiratory failure
According to the preliminary findings, Rupali’s respiratory function had stopped. The report also mentions bluish discolouration in the whites of her eyes, parts of her nails and her tongue, reportedly caused by a lack of oxygen.
Nurse found unconscious inside HDU washroom
Rupali Barman, 30, was on night duty at NRS Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. Her shift changed at around 8 pm, after which she joined the nursing station of the gynaecology department’s High Dependency Unit (HDU).
Colleagues raised alarm after delayed return
According to police and hospital sources, Rupali went to the HDU washroom at around 10.20 pm. When she did not return, her colleagues began knocking on the door around 10.27 pm. Receiving no response, they eventually broke open the door and found her unconscious inside.
Doctors declared Rupali dead after treatment
Her colleagues immediately brought her out and shifted her for medical attention. She was placed on a trolley and taken for treatment, but the attending doctors declared her dead.
Hospital sources had earlier said that Rupali allegedly carried three vials of fentanyl into the washroom. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication used under controlled medical conditions for pain management and anaesthesia. Doctors had initially suspected that excessive administration of the drug could have caused an overdose, leading to respiratory failure.
Police and health department launch probes
The circumstances surrounding the medication and how it was allegedly administered are now part of the investigation. Police have launched a probe into the incident, while the state Health Department has initiated a separate inquiry.
A Health Department inquiry committee has been constituted and has been asked to submit its report to Swasthya Bhawan within seven days. The findings are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death.
Husband objects to post mortem at NRS
Rupali’s husband has raised objections with NRS Medical College and Hospital authorities over conducting the post mortem at the hospital. He had requested that the examination not be carried out at NRS.
NRS authorities have reportedly stated that the post mortem will be conducted at a location chosen by the family. The final findings will be crucial in determining the exact cause and circumstances of Rupali’s death.
Senior officials visit hospital after incident
Senior police officials and Health Minister Shardwat Mukhopadhyay also visited NRS following the incident. The police investigation, Health Department inquiry and final post mortem findings are expected to establish what led to the nurse’s death.
