Protest over death of infant at Balurghat district hospital
BALURGHAT: A group of people staged demonstration on the premises of Balurghat district hospital and later before the office of Chief Medical Officer of Health (South Dinajpur) on Thursday protesting the death of a newborn allegedly due to medical negligence.
A large contingent of police reached the spot to pacify tension. CMOH, Dr Sukumar Dey has directed the concerned hospital superintendent Tapan Kumar Biswas for a detailed enquiry by constituting a medical team and a sought a report to within two days.
According to a hospital source, a 22-year old pregnant woman Bristi Paul of Munglishpur's Palpara Gobindapur was admitted to hospital on May 27 late at night following the labour pain.
After some medical tests and preliminary health check-up she was released from the hospital the next day. Her family members were informed that everything was fine. Surprisingly at night, her condition deteriorated and the family had to rush her again to the hospital. Gynaecologist Dr Arup Dey conducted operated her but her condition did not improve. A son was born to her later that night but the newborn was critical and shifted to sick newborn care unit (SNCU).The baby died on Thursday morning. The family members raised the issue of medical negligence and started demonstration holding the body of the child. They shouted slogans against the doctor and attending nurse for their 'misbehaviour and negligence'.
Later, they staged agitation at CMOH office. The protest was withdrawn at 2 pm after the assurance of an enquiry by the hospital.
Jaydeb Paul, the infant's father, said: "My baby was shifted to SNCU but it was too late. The doctor had misbehaved with my wife. She said she was thrashed by the attending nurses while stating her problem to them. I want stringent action against the accused."
Following the incident, Dr Dey has been transferred to Gangarampur sub-divisional hospital and an enquiry team constituted regarding the matter. "Serious allegation of negligence has been brought by the dead child's family members against the doctor and nurses. A three-member enquiry team has already been formed and directed to place the report within 48 hours. Initially, we have transferred the doctor to Gangarampur," CMOH Dr Dey said.
