A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Swarupnagar, where a newborn declared dead by a private nursing home was later found alive just hours before burial, triggering outrage and a police investigation.
Infant Shows Signs of Life Hours Before Burial
According to reports, a 28-year-old woman was admitted to a private nursing home on Wednesday evening after experiencing labour pains. She delivered the baby on Thursday morning, following which hospital authorities informed the family that the newborn had died.
The baby’s body was wrapped in gauze and plastic and handed over to the grieving family. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the infant was found alive nearly four to five hours later when relatives unwrapped the body before burial and noticed movement in the hands and legs.
Family Alleges Gross Negligence by Nursing Home
The incident has led to serious allegations against the nursing home. Family members claimed they were misled about the baby’s condition and described the moment they discovered the infant was alive as deeply shocking.
“We were told the baby had died. They wrapped her in plastic and even tied her face. For ₹400, the newborn was handed over to us in that condition,” a family member alleged.
Baby Under Treatment, Condition Stable
Following the discovery, the family rushed the newborn to Basirhat District Hospital, where the baby is currently undergoing treatment. According to hospital sources, both the infant and the mother are stable.
Police Probe Underway After Complaint
The family has lodged a formal complaint at the Swarupnagar police station, accusing the nursing home of medical negligence. Police have initiated an investigation and are questioning those involved to determine the sequence of events and accountability.
Nursing Home Denies Institutional Fault
The nursing home authorities have denied any systemic negligence, stating that action has been taken against the doctor who declared the newborn dead.
“The doctor has been served a show-cause notice. There was no negligence on the part of the nursing home. If allegations are proven, appropriate action will be taken,” a hospital official said.
Raises Serious Questions on Medical Protocols
The incident has raised critical concerns about medical examination procedures, verification of death, and accountability in private healthcare facilities. Experts stress that such lapses can have life-threatening consequences and demand strict adherence to clinical protocols.
The case continues to draw widespread attention, with calls for stringent action and systemic reforms to prevent such alarming incidents in the future.
