KATHMANDU, APRIL 25 A medical team assigned by the Nepal Medical Council to investigate the death of a pregnant woman, Gita Pandey of Butwal, submitted its preliminary report to the central office on Saturday. Based on a 72-hour review of the case, the report has recommended sealing Zonal Pharmacy and Indulekha Health Clinic, along with the immediate suspension of Dr. Satish Rupakheti. Pandey, 29, a resident of Baganaskali Rural Municipality–2 in Palpa, died on April 4 during a pregnancy termination procedure. According to the report, she had been repeatedly visiting Khatri Nursing Home, Zonal Pharmacy, and Indulekha Health Clinic in Butwal for the treatment of pregnancy-related complications prior to her death. Following the incident, the Council formed a probe committee coordinated by Dr. Samrat Parajuli, which has submitted a 26-page preliminary report. The committee has also recommended further investigation into the health professionals involved in the abortion procedure, citing possible serious negligence. These measures have been described as provisional, pending the final report. A Zoom meeting of the Council held on Saturday decided to suspend Dr. Rupakheti in line with the committee's recommendations. It also endorsed proposals to request the District Administration Office to seal Zonal Pharmacy and Indulekha Clinic and to initiate action against other health professionals involved in the case. The suspension was made under the Medical Code of Conduct 2017. The Council has stated that criminal liability may also be established, with final action to be taken after the completion of the full investigation. Meanwhile, Prakash Pandey, the deceased woman's husband, has filed an FIR against the concerned doctors and proprietors of the clinic and pharmacy, alleging that the incident resulted from profit-driven healthcare practices rather than patient-centered care. The report further emphasizes that abortion services should only be sought from legally recognized and certified institutions, noting that procedures beyond 12 weeks carry higher risks and require specialist supervision. Members of the committee include Prof. Dr. Padam Raj Panta, Dr. Rajendra Basyal, Dr. Anup Panthi, advocate Gobinda Prasad Marasini, and Dinesh Pandey, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Rupandehi, representing civil society.