Newborn's death triggers protest at Odisha CHC amid negligence allegations
Jatni- Following the death of a newborn, family members staged a protest on Tuesday, alleging medical negligence in his treatment and confronting the head of the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jatni, Odisha.
The deceased newborn was the son of Dinabandhu Prasti, a resident of Gobindpur in Jatni. When the newborn's condition became critical, he was shifted from the CHC to a private health centre.
The family stated that the baby was born on the 17th of the month and initially appeared healthy. During the pregnancy, the child's mother had reportedly been receiving treatment at a private clinic in Bhubaneswar run by the head of the Jatni CHC and his wife.
However, a day later, on the 18th, the infant's condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly. The attending doctor subsequently transferred the newborn to another private hospital for further treatment.
Upon reaching the second hospital, doctors declared the newborn 'dead', leaving the family devastated. While speaking to Odisha TV, the newborn’s father stated, “The delivery took place at Maternity Hospital, and the child died there. The baby was fine for 24 hours. The baby was delivered at 10.00 AM, and remained well throughout the day and night. In the morning, they caused some feeding-related issues. Then in the morning, they told me that the baby was critical and asked us to take him to another hospital”.
The grieving family has alleged that the death of the newborn was caused by improper treatment and medical negligence. They have demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances and strict action against those responsible.
Police have registered an FIR at the Airfield Police Station in Bhubaneswar based on the family's allegations, and officials are expected to examine the complaint and medical records as part of the ongoing investigation.
The family, however, alleges that despite filing the complaint, no concrete action has been taken against the concerned doctor so far. Hence, the family members went to the Jatni CHC and confronted the doctor.
Meanwhile, the concerned doctor stated, “The patient was in a critical condition at a private hospital and was referred elsewhere, but passed away after being sent. That is why they are getting a bit aggressive at that private hospital. I have nothing to say on that. After all, doctors can provide only treatment. There was no negligence”.
