Family Confronts CHC Head, Demands Action After Infant’s Death
A newborn’s death has triggered protests and allegations of medical negligence in Odisha’s Jatni, with grieving family members demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against the doctors involved. The incident led to a confrontation at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jatni on Tuesday, where the family accused medical staff of failing to provide proper treatment to the infant.
According to the family, the deceased newborn was the son of Dinabandhu Prasti, a resident of Gobindpur in Jatni. The baby was born on the 17th of the month and was reportedly healthy immediately after birth. During the pregnancy, the child’s mother had been receiving treatment at a private clinic in Bhubaneswar allegedly run by the head of the Jatni CHC and his wife.
The family claimed that the infant’s condition suddenly deteriorated on the following day. Doctors then referred the newborn to another private hospital for advanced treatment. However, upon arrival at the second medical facility, doctors declared the baby dead.
Speaking about the incident, the newborn’s father alleged that the child remained healthy for nearly 24 hours after delivery before complications arose. He claimed that issues related to feeding were reported the next morning, after which the family was informed that the baby’s condition had become critical and that he needed to be shifted to another hospital.
The bereaved family has accused the medical team of improper treatment and negligence, holding them responsible for the infant’s death. They have called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case and demanded accountability from those found guilty.
Following the allegations, an FIR was registered at the Airfield Police Station in Bhubaneswar. Authorities are expected to review the complaint and examine relevant medical records as part of the investigation.
The family, however, alleged that no concrete action has been taken against the concerned doctor despite the filing of the complaint. Frustrated by the lack of progress, relatives and supporters visited the Jatni CHC and confronted the head of the health centre, leading to tense scenes at the facility.
Responding to the allegations, the doctor denied any negligence and stated that the patient was already in a critical condition when referred for further treatment. He maintained that doctors can only provide medical care and insisted that no lapse occurred on the part of the healthcare team.
The incident has raised concerns about neonatal healthcare and patient safety, while the investigation is expected to determine whether any medical negligence contributed to the newborn’s death. Authorities have not yet released the findings of the inquiry.
