Greece | Medical Error or Negligence? Pregnant Woman Dies After Receiving Antibiotics as Prosecutors Launch Investigation

In a heartbreaking incident at a public hospital in western Greece a pregnant woman lost her life after suffering an allergic shock following an antibiotic injection — prompting her family to file a lawsuit demanding full transparency and justice.

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In a tragic case that has stirred public outrage a 28yearold pregnant woman died in a public hospital in Arta western Greece after suffering a severe allergic reaction caused by antibiotics. Her family has filed a lawsuit against all responsible parties demanding the exhumation of her body for autopsy and toxicology tests to reveal the truth.

The young woman who was already a mother to a twoyearold child and six weeks pregnant with her second baby had visited the hospital’s emergency department complaining of pain and bleeding — symptoms suggesting a possible miscarriage. She was administered an antibiotic and within minutes signs of an allergic shock appeared rapidly.

Despite the immediate intervention by the medical staff — consisting only of a nurse and a resident doctor with no gynecologist on duty — her condition deteriorated dramatically. An ICU doctor from a nearby unit was called to assist and after inserting a breathing tube and attempting resuscitation she suffered two consecutive cardiac arrests and died shortly afterward.

Sources within the hospital confirmed that all procedures were followed “according to protocol” noting that the woman was asked about potential allergies beforehand and was given adrenaline promptly. However the victim’s family insists that there was clear administrative negligence staff shortage and delayed response to her critical condition.

According to the family’s lawyer the death certificate listed “allergic shock” as the cause of death without requesting an autopsy at first. He also mentioned confusion regarding which antibiotic was administered as doctors reportedly disagreed on the correct choice — with one warning that the selected drug might trigger cardiac arrest.

Local media reports revealed that the antibiotics were given by a nurse following instructions from a doctor over the phone raising questions about the legality of such a procedure. The woman had also received painkillers earlier which might have caused a dangerous drug interaction.

While doctors tried to resuscitate her immediately the patient slipped into a severe allergic shock and passed away despite intensive care efforts. The hospital administration has since launched an internal investigation to determine what went wrong while the family continues to demand a comprehensive inquiry covering all stages of medical response.

The public prosecutor has ordered the exhumation of the body and a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. “An inexperienced nurse an absent doctor and a negligent administration — they took two lives” said the family’s lawyer in a shocking statement referring also to the unborn baby.

This tragic case has reignited debate over the condition of public hospitals in Greece where staff shortages persist due to austerity policies and delayed hiring of new doctors. Experts warn that similar incidents occur frequently because of exhaustion lack of experience and overwhelming pressure on hospital personnel.

One doctor concluded by saying that antibiotic allergies can develop even in individuals who have never shown allergic reactions before — emphasizing that prior screening and immediate medical response are vital to saving lives.