A shocking incident has come to light at the Mother and Child Hospital in Koppal, Karnataka, where the body of a deceased newborn boy handed to a couple, despite being informed earlier that they had a baby girl. The hospital has assured a DNA test to resolve the discrepancy.
Gauri of age 24, gave birth prematurely on September 25. Hospital staff consistently referred to the newborn as a girl, and official documents also identified the child as female. However, Gauri claimed she was never shown the baby's face properly during neonatal care. When Gauri and her husband Kanakappa received the body of the deceased newborn, they were stunned to discover it was a boy. They requested access to the girl they were initially told was theirs, but hospital staff allegedly responded evasively.
Dr. Venugopal, district hospital director-in-charge, acknowledged the discrepancy between the birth registration record (showing a boy) and the K-sheet (listing the newborn as a girl). A DNA test will be conducted to determine the truth.
The birth registration record shows the baby [in question] was a boy, but the problem arose because the K-sheet [that contains details about all hospital inmates] mentioned the newborn as a girl. A DNA test will be conducted in keeping with the parents' demand.Dr Venugopal, District Hospital Director-in-charge
Investigation and Next Steps:
The DNA test results will be crucial in resolving the dispute. The expert committee's findings will also shed light on potential hospital negligence or misconduct.
In the meantime, the couple's ordeal has sparked outrage and sympathy. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for stringent hospital protocols and effective communication to prevent such mix-ups.
As the investigation unfolds, attention will focus on the hospital's response and measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
An expert committee, led by district surgeon Dr. Krishna Omkar, has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee will question doctors and staff on duty during delivery and submit a report within two days.
Key Findings:
Couple receives body of deceased newborn boy despite being told they had a girl
Hospital staff allegedly never showed mother the baby's face properly
DNA test to determine truth behind baby mix-up
Expert committee formed to investigate incident
Hospital faces past controversies over newborn deaths and baby switching
Couple plans to file police complaint
This is not the first controversy surrounding the Mother and Child Hospital in Koppal. Previous incidents involving newborn girls' deaths and alleged baby switching have raised concerns. Past inquiry committees have faced criticism for lacking impartiality, as members were from the same hospital being investigated.
The couple plans to file a police complaint over the mix-up. The incident highlights concerns about hospital accountability, transparency, and patient trust.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)