A representative picture on a newborn child. — Reuters/file
HYDERABAD: A case has been officially filed at the Baldia police station against two doctors and several staff members of a private hospital for carelessly declaring a healthy newborn baby as deceased.
The FIR was lodged by the distressed father, Muhammad Rafiq Bhayo, who resides in Muhammad Bux Shoro village in District Qasimabad.
According to his statement, on October 28, his wife was admitted to a private hospital for the delivery of their child, where she gave birth to a baby girl through a normal delivery procedure. However, on October 30, the attending doctor informed the couple that their newborn had tragically passed away and, in a shocking turn of events, wrapped her in a shroud before handing her over to them.
Upon returning home with what they believed to be their deceased daughter, Rafiq made a heartbreaking discovery – the baby was alive. In a frantic rush, he took her to the Civil Hospital, where despite the best efforts, she succumbed to her condition during treatment.
Rafiq stated that due to purported negligence by the hospital staff, his daughter received inadequate treatment, which ultimately led to her death. He claimed that the careless handling of the situation, including the wrongful wrapping of his newborn in a shroud, directly contributed to this tragedy.
The accused doctors and another hospital employee sought refuge in the legal system by applying for interim bail at the court of the 4th additional district sessions judge. The court granted them bail until November 11, requiring a surety bond of Rs100,000.
In a further twist, the grieving father made his way to the Hyderabad Press Club where he voiced his concerns about being subjected to harassment following his complaint against the medical staff.
He alleged that the police had not yet arrested the accused doctors and expressed that there were attempts being made to coerce him into settling the matter amicably, with pressure being exerted through law enforcement.
Ayesha Khan Bigg Boss
**Interview with Dr. Ayesha Khan, Pediatrician and Child Health Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. We’re discussing a deeply troubling incident where a newborn was mistakenly declared dead at a hospital in Bhadrachalam. What are your initial thoughts on this shocking case?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed tragic and raises significant concerns about hospital protocols and the capacity of medical staff to assess a newborn’s condition accurately. Every newborn deserves thorough examination and care, and any oversight can lead to devastating consequences for families.
**Interviewer:** The father, Muhammad Rafiq, has filed a case against the doctors involved. What are the implications of such legal actions for healthcare professionals?
**Dr. Khan:** Legal actions like this can have profound implications. They not only hold medical practitioners accountable for negligence, but they also serve as a wake-up call for hospitals to review their protocols. When such incidents occur, it often leads to greater scrutiny of operational practices within healthcare facilities, prompting improvements to prevent future occurrences.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of protocols, what standard procedures should be in place to ensure that newborns are accurately assessed?
**Dr. Khan:** Standard procedures should include rigorous training for staff on the signs of life in newborns, routine checks, and the use of proper medical equipment to confirm vital signs. Furthermore, hospitals should establish clear protocols for handling cases of uncertainty regarding a newborn’s health—such as consultations with multiple healthcare providers or specialists before making a declaration of death.
**Interviewer:** Given that this was a private hospital, do you think there’s a difference in the regulatory oversight compared to public hospitals?
**Dr. Khan:** Unfortunately, private hospitals can sometimes operate with less oversight compared to public institutions, which can lead to variability in care standards. It’s crucial for private healthcare facilities to adhere strictly to legal and ethical standards and for regulatory bodies to enforce those standards consistently across the board. This incident underscores the need for more comprehensive training and accountability measures in all healthcare settings.
**Interviewer:** What can families do to protect themselves and their newborns in such situations?
**Dr. Khan:** Families should advocate for their loved ones. If there are doubts about a medical diagnosis, it’s essential to seek a second opinion. Additionally, parents should feel empowered to ask questions and request thorough examinations, especially in critical situations like those involving newborns. Being informed and vigilant can make a significant difference in healthcare outcomes.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for sharing your insights on this tragic incident. Let’s hope it leads to meaningful changes that ensure such mistakes are prevented in the future.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we learn from these events to improve care for all patients, especially our most vulnerable ones.
