Odisha Health dept begins probe into Keonjhar baby swap case

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar , Jan 8:

The Health and Family Welfare department has begun probe into alleged baby swapping case at Keonjhar district headquarters hospital.

According to sources, the probe is headed by Director Family Welfare. However, she claimed that the CDMO is inquiring into the matter.

Dr. Nirmala Kumari Dei, Director Family Welfare, has told Sambad that the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Keonjhar, is conducting an inquiry into the case.

It may be recalled that Rina Naik, wife of Raman Naik–residents of Siriabahal village under Telkoi block– had admitted their new born baby boy to sick newborn care unit (SNCU) of Keonjhar district headquarters hospital last December 29. Two days later, the hospital authorities informed the couple that their son was dead.

Following much hue and cry, the district collector N Tirumala Nayak later ordered an investigation into the baby swapping case.

Surprisingly, the couple got a call on January 3 from a nurse to take their baby. Raman and his wife rushed to the hospital where they were handed over the baby.

On the other hand, Champua’s Rina Naik’s newborn son had died and by mistake had been handed over to Siriabahal village couple as both mothers have the same name, the hospital authorities had said. Rina Naik from Champua was reluctant to buy this explanation. Their family members accused the hospital and questioned why they were kept in dark for four days.

Meanwhile, the babies swap case, one dead and the other alive, at Keonjhar district headquarters hospital, turned ugly with row over the last rites of the dead baby. While one of the couples demanded the money they spent on the funeral of the dead baby, the other wanted their baby’s body back.

The couple with the live baby are now demanding compensation for the last rites of the other infant. On the other hand, the dead baby’s parents are demanding the back body to perform the last rites.