Kanpur Hospital Tragedy: Newborn Dies Amid Allegations of Video Call Treatment
A newborn baby girl died late Monday night at a private hospital located at Ramadevi Chauraha in Kanpur, sparking an uproar from family members who have leveled serious allegations of medical negligence. The family claims that the doctor treated the infant solely through a video call, while hospital sweepers were left to administer treatment, raising grave concerns about the standards of care.
Family's Heartbreaking Account of the Incident
Ashish Nishad, a resident of Macupurwa in Cantt who is employed at the Golf Club, recounted the tragic events. His wife, Muskaan Nishad, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on March 28. However, on Monday afternoon, the newborn developed a high fever, prompting the family to rush her to the private hospital at Ramadevi. Ashish stated that the hospital demanded Rs 20,000 for admission, a sum the family paid in hopes of securing proper medical attention.
Shivani, Ashish's sister who served as an attendant at the hospital, provided a detailed and disturbing narrative. She reported that a doctor did visit but only treated the baby via video call, never conducting a physical examination. At approximately 7 PM, the doctor on the video call informed the family that the baby's condition was critical and advised transferring her to another hospital. Shivani further alleged that hospital staff misled the family, at one point declaring the baby dead yet still ordering an injection and medicines worth Rs 2,000.
Allegations of Gross Negligence and Misconduct
The family has raised pointed questions about the hospital's actions. They demanded to know why an injection was administered after the baby was declared dead and where the medicines worth Rs 2,000 disappeared to. Most shockingly, they asserted that the doctors provided no direct treatment; instead, sweepers and reception staff were allegedly tasked with caring for the critically ill infant, a clear violation of medical protocols.
Upon receiving information about the incident, police arrived at the scene to manage the escalating situation. They pacified the distraught family members by assuring them that appropriate action would be taken. Following these assurances, the family took the body of the baby home, but not before filing a formal written complaint.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
SHO Ajay Prakash Mishra confirmed that the case is under active investigation based on the family's written complaint. He emphasized that legal action will be pursued once the investigation is complete, potentially holding the hospital accountable for any negligence or malpractice. This incident has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for stricter oversight in private healthcare facilities, particularly in handling emergency pediatric cases.
The tragedy in Kanpur underscores broader issues in India's healthcare system, where allegations of inadequate treatment and exploitation by private hospitals are not uncommon. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper medical care and the devastating consequences when it is lacking.
