Premature twin baby passes away

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 6

Preterm baby, who was wrongly declared dead last week by Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, died at the nursing home in Pitampura where he was on life support while the final report of the Delhi Government’s probe panel into the alleged case of medical negligence is expected in two-three days.

Based on the final report strictest action will be taken as per law, said Health Minister Satyendar Jain today. On December 2, Jain had said that licence of the hospital could be cancelled if the probe found it guilty of medical negligence.

Addressing reporters here today, Jain said, “The preliminary report, which was submitted yesterday, has found the hospital guilty in certain aspects and the final report is expected in next two-three days. We will take strictest possible action according to law. The committee is examining all lines.”

Jain added that on November 22 a notice was sent to Max Hospital after deficiencies were found in services to be given to patients of the economically weaker section.

“Both the cases have been clubbed and action will be taken accordingly,” the minister said.

On the father’s allegation that the no one from the Delhi Government approached the family to help, Jain said, there were some legalities in the case but the government took action immediately.

The case pertains to the birth of premature twins on November 30. As per the parents, the babies were declared dead by the Max Hospital and handed over to them in a polythene bag when one of the babies was found alive on the way for last rites.

The family reported the matter to the police and investigations against two doctors, who were later sacked by the private hospital, are underway.

In the case the Delhi Government ordered a probe and the panel in its preliminary investigations yesterday held the Max Hospital guilty of not following prescribed medical norms in dealing with newborn infants.

The distraught father, Ashish Kumar today demanded the two doctors be arrested blaming them and the hospital authorities for their child’s fate. Kumar’s wife is still recuperating in the Max Hospital from complications of birth.