Relatives of a six-month pregnant woman staged a protest outside a private hospital in Erode on Saturday (July 18, 2026), alleging medical negligence after the foetus died and the woman developed serious complications following treatment.According to the relatives, Sharmila, a resident of Enjampalli in Modakkurichi taluk, had been receiving antenatal care at Om Sakthi Hospital in Chettipalayam on Poondurai Road. She married Mohan Kumar about a year ago and was six months pregnant.They alleged that Sharmila visited the hospital 11 days ago for treatment and was administered an injection, following which she developed swelling all over her body. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to another private hospital in Erode and later referred to a private hospital in Coimbatore for advanced treatment.The relatives claimed that doctors in Coimbatore informed them that the foetus had died in the womb and that Sharmila had developed a heart ailment. They further alleged that she subsequently underwent a heart transplant.Accusing Om Sakthi Hospital of negligence, the relatives alleged that the hospital failed to provide adequate follow-up care after referring her and showed little concern for her condition. Demanding compensation, they staged a protest in front of the hospital and blocked the road for some time, disrupting traffic.Police held talks with the protesters and dispersed them. The hospital’s version was not immediately available. Published - July 18, 2026 06:00 pm IST