NEW DELHI: A shocking was reported from a Delhi hospital couple of days ago when doctors declared newborn twins dead and one of them was found alive by parents before cremation and it sparked anger after it was reported by the Indian media.
Parents of a twin born prematurely at Max hospital Shalimar Bagh alleged that the hospital declared one of them dead when the baby still had signs of life.
After outburst of anger from the public in particular, the hospital has fired two doctors for their blunder.
The incident sparked outrage and a debate over the quality of private healthcare which is often costly.
Police have registered a case in the matter under Section 308 of the IPC which governs cases related to attempt to commit culpable homicide and can attract imprisonment of up to seven years.
The parents, residents of Nangloi, were taking the twins for last rites when they discovered that the child was alive.
They took the baby to a nursing home near their residence where he is still admitted, though the condition remains critical.
The Delhi government has ordered an inquiry into the matter. “Sought a report on shocking criminal negligence by Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh and directed Dept to conduct a inquiry into this unacceptable act,” tweeted health minister Satyendar Jain.
A Max hospital spokesperson stated: “It has been brought to our attention that a pre-mature (22 weeks), new born baby who is reported to be on life support at a nursing home was unfortunately handed over without any sign of life by Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh. This baby was one of the twins delivered on the morning of Nov 30. The other baby was still-born. We are shaken and concerned at this rare incident. We have initiated a detailed enquiry, pending which, the concerned doctor has been asked to proceed on leave immediately. We are in constant touch with the parents and are providing all the support needed.”
