Parents in Mysuru have alleged that their newborn baby died after being bitten by ants at a government hospital. The incident occurred at the Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru, where the baby was born on March 10. The parents claim that the baby was bitten by ants while in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), leading to the infant's death on March 12.
Parents' Allegations
The parents, residents of a nearby village, stated that they noticed ants crawling on the baby's body on March 11. They immediately alerted the hospital staff, but the baby's condition deteriorated, and he died the next day. The parents have accused the hospital of negligence, stating that the NICU was not properly maintained and that the staff failed to take timely action.
Hospital's Response
Hospital authorities have denied the allegations, stating that the baby died due to sepsis, not an ant bite. They claim that the NICU is regularly cleaned and that ant control measures are in place. A senior doctor said, "The baby was suffering from severe sepsis, which is a common cause of death in newborns. There is no evidence to suggest that ant bites caused the death."
Police Investigation
The Mysuru police have registered a case based on the parents' complaint and are investigating the matter. A police official said, "We have collected samples from the NICU and are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death. We will take appropriate action based on the findings."
Previous Complaints
This is not the first time that Cheluvamba Hospital has faced allegations of negligence. In the past, there have been complaints about poor hygiene and inadequate staff. However, hospital authorities maintain that they follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have demanded a thorough investigation and improved conditions at government hospitals. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and call for accountability.
The baby's parents are seeking justice and have appealed to the government to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. They have also demanded compensation for their loss.
As the investigation continues, the hospital has assured that it will cooperate fully with the authorities. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by government healthcare facilities in India, particularly in rural areas.
