The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has launched a formal inquiry into the tragic death of a newborn baby at the Government Mother and Child Hospital in Yadgir. The commission took suo motu cognizance of the case after the baby’s family alleged that the hospital staff and doctors failed to provide timely care to the mother, leading to the infant’s demise.
Commission Demands Detailed Report
Shashidhar S Kosambe, President of the Child Rights Commission, confirmed that a complaint had been received accusing the hospital of negligence. He has directed hospital authorities to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death within seven days.
“A protest erupted at the hospital following the death. I have directed the authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident within seven days, including a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death,” Kosambe told HT.
The family was later informed by doctors that the baby had no heartbeat when the surgery was performed.
Family’s Allegation of Delay and Apathy
The case involves 35-year-old Neelabai of Balichakra Tanda, who was admitted to the hospital with labor pains. Her family painted a picture of severe apathy and delay:
- Neglect: The family alleges that Neelabai was neither given a bed nor treated, despite waiting through the day.
- Worsening Condition: They claimed she was forced to lie on the hospital floor until her bleeding became severe, after which she was finally taken for an emergency C-section.
- Protest: After the baby was declared dead, the family, including Neelabai and her husband Devappa (who have two daughters and had been hoping for a son after nine years), staged a protest outside the hospital with the infant’s body.
Relatives alleged that doctors initially assured them of a normal delivery on Sunday and only attempted surgery around 5 a.m., claiming the delay was fatal.
Hospital’s Official Response
Dr. Rizwana, the Yadgir district surgeon, offered the hospital’s account of the events, confirming that the mother had been admitted on Saturday. Dr. Rizwana stated that while the mother’s official due date was November 26, the delivery had been postponed by the family.
She specified the medical complications that arose:
“A critical complication arose at 3 a.m. There was placental abruption leading to severe bleeding, and the baby’s heartbeat had stopped before the C-section was performed by Dr. Nagashree,” she said.
Dr. Rizwana assured that the staff’s efforts were successful in saving the mother’s life, but acknowledged that the baby had to be removed through a C-section. She concluded that the case will undergo a full audit, and strict action will be taken if any staff member is found at fault.