Gynaecologist absent during emergency; formal inquiry initiated
Khanna:
In a heartbreaking incident of alleged medical negligence, a newborn baby died and the mother remains in critical condition following a C-section delivery at Khanna Civil Hospital. The absence of the on-duty gynaecologist during the emergency has triggered widespread outrage and led to a formal inquiry into the matter.
The woman, who had been receiving prenatal care at the hospital for the past nine months, was brought to the facility around 8:00 PM in active labour. Shockingly, despite the long-term treatment, she was referred to another hospital mid-delivery, raising questions about the hospital’s preparedness and decision-making.
According to family members, the emergency medical officer contacted the gynaecologist by phone, who advised transferring the patient to Patiala instead of examining her in person. The family strongly opposed the referral, expressing their frustration and disbelief. “We came here for nine months, and now they send us away at the last moment?” a relative asked.
The issue quickly drew attention from Akali Dal leader Yadvinder Singh Yadu, who contacted Senior Medical Officer Dr. Maninder Singh Bhasin. Recognizing the emergency, Dr. Bhasin reached the hospital around 10:00 PM, immediately mobilized a team including a paediatrician and anaesthetist, and performed an emergency C-section.
While the mother’s condition was stabilized, the newborn had already suffered severe complications due to meconium aspiration. The baby was first referred to Patiala but was then redirected to PGIMER Chandigarh due to the lack of ventilator facilities.
The family further alleged that the ambulance transferring the newborn ran out of oxygen, and by the time a second ambulance was arranged, the baby’s body had turned blue. The infant was declared dead on arrival at PGIMER.
Dr. Bhasin stated, “The situation was extremely critical. We did everything within our capacity. Unfortunately, the baby’s condition was beyond what we could manage.” A detailed report has been submitted to the civil surgeon, who has now launched an official departmental inquiry.
The gynaecologist in question, who was reportedly on duty but left the hospital without informing superiors, has been asked to submit a written explanation. The civil surgeon has confirmed that the inquiry will look into possible professional misconduct or dereliction of duty.
