Infant referred to Cuttack after birth dies during treatment; authorities assure probe amid rising tension at hospital
Tension gripped the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Jajpur after the death of a newborn triggered protests by the family, who alleged medical negligence in the treatment provided.
Infant Dies After Referral to Cuttack
According to reports, a woman from Kumbharia village in Bhadrak was admitted to the Jajpur DHH on Friday after experiencing labour pain. She delivered a baby boy later that night.
However, soon after birth, the newborn’s condition reportedly deteriorated. The infant was referred to Shishu Bhawan in Cuttack and later shifted to a private nursing home for advanced care, where doctors declared him dead.
Family Alleges Medical Negligence
The grieving family alleged that the newborn’s death was a result of negligence at the district hospital. They claimed that proper care was not provided immediately after birth, leading to the infant’s critical condition.
Demanding justice, family members and relatives brought the baby’s body back to the Mother and Child Care Centre at Jajpur DHH and staged a protest.
Protest Disrupts Hospital Operations
The protest created tension within the hospital premises, with agitated relatives demanding strict action against the doctors involved. Following the situation, Jajpur Town Police were deployed to control the crowd and restore order.
Authorities Assure Inquiry
The protest was eventually withdrawn after Chief District Medical Officer Bijay Kumar Mishra assured the family that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
He stated that strict action would be taken if any medical negligence is established in the case.
Growing Concerns Over Healthcare Accountability
The incident has once again raised concerns about accountability and quality of care in government hospitals, particularly in emergency maternal and neonatal services.
As investigations begin, the case highlights the urgent need for strengthening healthcare systems to prevent such tragic outcomes and restore public trust.
