Odisha: Newborn dies in Govt hospital, family alleges medical negligence

Puri: Controversy erupted at Charichhak Community Health Centre (CHC) after a newborn baby died due to alleged medical negligence by the doctor. The locals have accused the doctors and the centre of being negligent towards their patients.

After giving birth to the baby on Monday, the newborn was declared dead on Tuesday. The mother has been identified as Madhusmita Das, and his father, Manas Das, resident of Bhainchigoradi village in Nimapada.

Madhusmita gave birth to his son on Monday at 5.15 am. On the next day, the baby fell ill and was taken to Charichhak, CHC. He was admitted on Tuesday at the centre. However, as per the claims of the parents, the doctor, while examining the baby said that he had no complications. However, he died on the same day.

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While speaking with Odisha bytes, Manas said, "The hospital authorities took money from us and paid the doctor who was attending to my son. I even asked the doctor if my son was suffering from any illness, but he denied it. I hope such an incident does not happen to anybody else here."

Denying the allegations, Chief Medical Officer Prasant Kumar Samantaray said that there was no fault on the doctor's part and the baby had a natural death. He said,  "When the doctor, conducted the newborn's health check-up, milk had already entered his lungs by accident which caused his death. The baby was not given any injections."

The locals said that this is not the first time, earlier there have been many cases like this but the centre never took responsibility. According to reports, nearly three children died in the hospital within a week and the locals blame the hospital and the doctors for alleged medical negligence.

"There is no proper pediatrician in Charichhak CHC. After the boy's death, the doctor concerned fled the spot. Some doctors and attendants here lack proper qualifications," a social worker alleged.

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