Tension in Odisha hospital over death of newborn

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baleswar, Sep 8:

Tension ran high at the district headquarters hospital in Odisha’s Baleswar town today following death of a newborn baby after allegedly falling off the hospital bed.

Family members and the supporters of the deceased put up a blockade at the entrance of the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the district hospital alleging that the newborn had died after falling down from the SNCU bed or from the hands of the attending nurse. They alleged that the death of the child was due to negligence on part the hospital authorities.

Following this, the CDMO, ADMO and other officials arrived at the spot and persuaded the mob to remove the blockade at the entrance to the SNCU which was causing inconvenience to other patients too.

The father of the deceased newborn lodged a complaint with the CDMO alleging death of his child was caused due to falling down from the hospital bed or from the hands of the attending nurse at the SNCU.

The bereaved father has complained of negligence by the doctors and nurses. Those on gherao vacated the blockade at the entrance of the SNCU following assurance by the CDMO that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible if the post mortem report suggests of death caused due to negligence.

While palpable tension prevails in the air, the newborn’s body has been sent for post mortem. Meanwhile, police have arrived at the spot and have brought the situation under control.