Rayagada: A newborn baby boy has been replaced with a dead baby girl Tuesday at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) here, alleged the family members of a patient.
According to sources, Kabita Kumbhar, wife of Madhab Kumbhar of Kumbharshila village under Kashipur block in this district was admitted to the DHH following her labour pain. She delivered a baby boy late Monday night in the presence of doctor and other hospital staff. Kabita’s younger sister Nandini informed the near and dear ones about it.
However, the doctors advised the attendants to shift Kabita to Koraput DHH for advanced medical care stating her condition to be critical.
Meanwhile, Kabita’s uncle Chandrasen and others reached Rayagada DHH Tuesday to see the newborn baby boy. But to their shock, the hospital staff showed them a dead newborn girl at the special newborn care unit (SNCU) of the hospital. The family members refused to take the body of the deceased. They tried to discuss with the doctors but failed get any satisfactory response.
When contacted, CDMO Shibaprasad Padhi rubbished the charges saying the woman had delivered a baby girl in the presence of doctors and staff nurses. The bands tied to the hands of the newborn and her mother bear the same number. Besides, the footprint of the baby was also taken. As the baby was weak, she was shifted to the SNCU where she succumbed, Padhi added.
An internal enquiry was initiated following the allegations and the newborn was found to be a baby girl in all records of the hospital, he further said.
While the health department has submitted a report to the police, the CDMO said the matter would be probed again if the family lodges a complaint.
PNN
