India to take up Savita’s death with Ireland

India's ambassador to Ireland will today formally raise New Delhi's concerns over the death of Savita Halappanavar, an Indian dentist who died of septicaemia (blood poisoning) after doctors at a hospital refused to terminate her pregnancy.

In Delhi, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid said, "I think saving the life of the mother is of prime importance, if you can't save the life of the child.

''It is extremely sad and unfortunate. Whatever the inquiry does, human loss cannot be compensated.'' He added the country might like to reflect upon some positions afresh so that such things do not happen, not only with Indian nationals but also with their own citizens.

However on Thursday, Savita's husband Praveen told NDTV on the phone that no one from the Indian embassy had got in touch with him or his family.

Ireland has committed itself to a thorough investigation into the death. The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland has launched an inquiry which the Irish health minister said must "stand up to the scrutiny of the world".

The HSE has said it is in the process of appointing an independent expert to oversee the work of its inquiry into the death of 31-year-old Halappanavar at University Hospital Galway last month.