Newborn dies after sanitary worker allegedly handles delivery at Kakinada Hospital

Kakinada: In a case of alleged medical negligence, a newborn baby died shortly after birth at the Tallarevu Community Health Centre in Kakinada district, after a sanitary worker on duty reportedly handled the delivery of a pregnant woman.  

Although the hospital administration denied the allegation and claimed that the sanitary worker is a trained birth attendant, the incident sparked protests by the family, who accused the doctors and the hospital of medical negligence.

According to doctors, the baby died due to meconium aspiration syndrome - a condition where a newborn inhales a mixture of amniotic fluid and stool during or shortly after birth, leading to serious breathing problems.

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TOI reported that the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday. The 22-year-old mother was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning and was under constant observation. According to the family, she developed labour pains early Saturday, and with no doctor immediately available, a sanitary worker on duty handled the delivery. Relatives alleged that the sanitary worker performed the delivery, which they believe led to the baby's death.

However, health officials denied the claim, stating that the sanitary worker was a trained birth attendant and did not carry out the delivery. Instead, they said she helped only after the baby was born suddenly and the umbilical cord began to stretch excessively.

Dr Swapna, the district coordinator for health services, clarified that gynaecologists were present at the hospital until 2 am. At the time of the incident, a paediatrician, two staff nurses, and the sanitary worker were available. She said the sanitary worker clamped the umbilical cord and gave oxygen to the baby before informing the nurse and doctor.

Doctors explained that the baby's condition worsened quickly due to the respiratory problem. The duty doctor advised the family to take the newborn to the Government General Hospital. Sadly, the baby died on the way.

Following the death, angry family members staged a protest at the health centre, accusing the hospital staff of negligence. The woman’s condition is reported to be stable.

An official inquiry has been ordered into the incident, and authorities have promised strict action if any negligence is found.

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