Newborn dies after C-section at Khanna Civil Hospital, Gynaecologist faces inquiry
Khanna Hospital Under Fire After Infant’s Death
Khanna: In an alleged case of medical negligence, a newborn passed away following a C-section delivery at Khanna Civil Hospital, while the mother remains in critical condition. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a formal inquiry into the role of the gynaecologist, who was reportedly absent during the emergency without prior notice.
The patient, who had been receiving prenatal care at the hospital for the past nine months, was brought in by her family around 8:00 PM in active labour. Despite her long-term treatment at the facility, she was suddenly referred to another hospital during delivery.
The family alleged that the emergency doctor consulted a gynaecologist over the phone, who advised referring the patient to Patiala, rather than coming to the hospital to examine her in person.
According to Hindustan Times, the family, shocked by the sudden referral, strongly opposed the decision. “We’ve been coming here for nine months, and now, when it’s time for delivery, they send us away?” a family member questioned. The situation caught the attention of local Akali Dal leader Yadvinder Singh Yadu, who immediately alerted the hospital’s senior medical officer (SMO), Dr Maninder Singh Bhasin.
Recognizing the urgency, the SMO rushed to the hospital at around 10:00 PM. He immediately called in a paediatrician and an anaesthetist and took charge of the situation. A swift emergency C-section was conducted, which stabilized the mother's condition. However, the newborn had already suffered severe complications due to meconium aspiration (inhalation of stool in the womb), putting her in critical condition.
The newborn was initially referred to Patiala, but due to the lack of ventilator facilities, was redirected to PGIMER Chandigarh. The family alleged that during this transfer, the ambulance ran out of oxygen, worsening the baby’s condition.
The newborn's uncle said that by the time a second ambulance was arranged, her body had turned blue. The infant was declared dead on arrival at PGIMER.
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According to Dr Bhasin, “The situation was extremely critical. We did everything possible to save both lives. The baby’s condition was beyond what our facility could support.” He has submitted a report to the civil surgeon, and a formal inquiry has been launched into the role of the gynaecologist, who, despite being on duty, was not present at the hospital and allegedly left without informing her superiors, reports the Hindustan Times.
The civil surgeon has demanded a written explanation from the gynaecologist and has initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter.
an official inquiry is now underway to determine any professional misconduct or dereliction of duty.
