Probe launched after baby born with severe abnormalities in Kerala’s Alappuzha

Couple alleges lapses on the part of doctors at Women and Children’s Hospital, Alappuzha, and at scanning centres for failing to identify abnormalities before birth despite multiple antenatal scans during pregnancy

The Health department and the police have launched investigations after a baby was born with severe abnormalities in Alappuzha district of Kerala.

The Alappuzha South police have registered a case against four doctors – two gynaecologists at Women and Children’s (W and C) Hospital, Alappuzha, and two doctors at two private diagnostics centres – based on a complaint filed by the baby’s father. The case was registered under Sections 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 125 (b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Serious birth defects

According to Anish Muhammed from Lajnathul Ward in Alappuzha municipality, his wife, Surumy, gave birth to their third child on November 8. In complaints filed with authorities, the couple said the child was born with serious birth defects, including facial deformities, misaligned ears and eyes, atypical genitalia, a hole in the lungs, tongue retraction when lying on the back, and limb defects. They alleged lapses on the part of doctors at the W and C Hospital and at the scanning centres for failing to identify the abnormalities before birth, despite multiple antenatal scans during the pregnancy period.

Surumy had been under treatment at the W and C Hospital throughout her pregnancy before being referred to the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha, a few days before delivery.

“Surumy was admitted to the W and C Hospital on October 30 for delivery. The doctors, on November 2, referred her to the MCH after identifying complications. The abnormalities were detected during a scan at the MCH, but it was too late. The earlier antenatal scans were done at private labs recommended by the W and C Hospital doctors,” Anish said.

In a statement issued on Thursday (November 28, 2024), Health Minister Veena George said that a special team led by Health department additional director would probe the complaint.

Ms. George said she had directed the Health department director to initiate an inquiry immediately after learning of the incident. “A district-level investigation is already under way, which will cover the scanning centres involved. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for any lapses,” the Minister said.

Doctors deny negligence

The doctors at the W and C Hospital have denied any negligence on their part.

Anish is a taxi driver.

Published - November 28, 2024 03:22 pm IST