Woman dies after being given wrong blood type during C-section

ZAKHO — A 38-year-old woman who received the wrong blood type during childbirth at Zakho’s Maternity and Pediatric Hospital died Saturday night after 17 days in critical condition, medical staff confirmed.

Shilan Ismail, a mother of six, underwent a C-section on May 1. During the procedure, she was mistakenly given a unit of A+ blood instead of her correct type, B+, according to hospital records. The transfusion error occurred at the hospital’s blood bank.

“She remained in the hospital for 17 days, and last night, she passed away,” said Dr. Saif Hisham, the attending physician.

Zakho police spokesperson Ahmad Ramazan told 964media that the public prosecutor and investigating judge have opened a formal case. All medical staff and hospital employees found to have been negligent will face trial, he said.

Earlier this month, Zakho health officials acknowledged the error and said only one unit of mismatched blood was administered. “We reject all reports suggesting the woman received 150 units of blood,” said Amir Ali, spokesperson for the Zakho Health Directorate. “The fact is only one incorrect unit was transfused.”

The family disputes that account. “A large amount of mismatched blood was given to her, not just one unit,” a relative told 964media.

In response to the incident, health authorities formed a five-member investigative committee made up of experts from the maternity, anesthesia, laboratory, intensive care, and hospital administration departments. Officials pledged the findings would be released and that appropriate measures would be taken.