4 Pune paediatricians, doctors, 2 nurses booked for negligence after toddler's death

Pune: The Sahakarnagar police have booked four doctors and two nurses of Chinmay Hospital and Chinmay Institute of Paediatrics, over alleged medical negligence leading to the death of a toddler.

The FIR was registered on April 16 based on a complaint filed by the child’s father. The action followed findings by a medical board from Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College (BJMC), which reportedly indicated negligence by the treating medical staff. No arrests have been made so far, and further investigation is underway, he said.

Speaking to PTI, a police official informed, "Four doctors and two nurses of a private hospital in Pune were booked for alleged medical negligence leading to the death of an 11-month-old girl. The case was registered at Sahakarnagar police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 106 (causing death by negligence), along with 336(3), 228, 318(4), 3(5) and provisions of Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act."

According to the official, the incident occurred between 6 pm and 11.50 pm on May 22 last year at Chinmay Hospital (Chinmay Institute of Paediatrics) in Navi Peth area.

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“The complainant, a 34-year-old resident of Balajinagar in Dhankawadi, had admitted his 11-month-and-18-day-old daughter to the hospital after she started vomiting. During the course of investigation, an expert medical board found negligence in the treatment provided to the infant, leading to her death. Despite being aware of the seriousness of the child’s condition and the risks involved, the doctors and nursing staff allegedly administered improper treatment," the official added.

“We have served notices to all six accused. Further action, including arrest, will depend on their cooperation in the investigation,” Inspecter Pawar said.

According to Hindustan Times, the family alleged that she was administered intravenous fluids at high speed and injections without proper monitoring.

It was further alleged that critical monitoring equipment was either non-functional or not adequately used, and despite signs of deterioration, including distress and repeated vomiting, there was a delay in medical intervention and escalation of care.

The complaint also claimed that the hospital lacked adequate facilities such as an ICU and that the child was not shifted to a better-equipped facility despite her worsening condition.

The baby reportedly died at around 11:50 pm on the same day, though the family alleged that death occurred earlier and that there were attempts to conceal the actual sequence of events.

Additionally, allegations were made that medical records, including case papers and treatment details, were tampered with or replaced after the child’s death. The FIR also stated that unqualified personnel were involved in administering treatment in the absence of senior doctors.

Responding to the allegations, head of the hospital, one of accused paediatrician told HT that the child was brought in a critical condition with severe dehydration and significant weight loss.

“The baby’s condition was serious and could have worsened during transit, which is why she was not shifted. She initially responded to treatment but later developed blood clots and went into cardiac arrest,” he said.

He added that the hospital had suggested a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, but the family declined.

“We tried our best to revive the baby. Initially, the family had no complaints, but later approached the police,” he said.

Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken based on findings and cooperation from the accused.

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