Newborn dies from organ failure post-delivery, couple alleges medical negligence

Mandi: A couple has filed a medical negligence complaint against SunderNagar Civil Hospital and its staff after their newborn baby died five days post-delivery due to alleged multiple organ failure. The couple claimed a paramedical staff performed the delivery instead of an on-duty doctor. 

According to the complainant, the woman waited for 26 hours, going through labour pains, before the hospital staff finally paid attention to her condition. During the delivery, she alleged that they forcefully put pressure on her stomach in the labour room to help the baby come out.

In response to the complaint, the Chief Medical Officer of Mandi, Dr Narendra Bhardwaj confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and the report will be submitted soon. 

“I have spoken to the SMO, who is currently on leave, and another doctor who was handling the case. A fact-finding report has also been sought,” he said. 

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The incident occurred after the husband took his wife, Archana, to the hospital on December 18 when she began experiencing labour pains. According to the couple, hospital staff delayed providing proper care, leading to complications during delivery. The baby was eventually delivered through normal delivery on December 19 but was unresponsive. 

Following this, the hospital staff referred the baby to Nerchowk Medical College & Hospital. However, the baby passed away on December 23 due to organ failure. The doctors at the Nerchowk Hospital said that the baby’s organs failed because it remained in the womb for too long.

The couple filed a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Helpline, alleging that negligence during delivery resulted in the death of their newborn baby. Following this, an investigation was initiated, and the couple submitted detailed reports about the incident to the Health Minister, local MLAs, and the hospital management.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Archana said, "I was in pain for almost 26 hours but the hospital administration did not pay any attention. Neither did they refer me to another hospital nor did they opt for cesarean. I was asked to wait for normal delivery and I was writhing in pain the whole night. They forcibly pressed my stomach in the labour room so that I could deliver the baby. 

My child didn’t cry during birth and was immediately placed in a machine before being referred to Nerchowk Medical College & Hospital. All tests during the pregnancy were normal. My child survived for only five days and died on December 23 at Nerchowk Medical College."

“We demand an impartial investigation into the lapses in treatment of my wife. Strict action should be taken against those responsible,” said the husband.  

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