Four doctors in Alappuzha, including two from the Kadappuram Government Women and Child Hospital and two associated with private diagnostic labs, are facing allegations of medical negligence. A couple, Anish and Surumi, have accused the doctors of failing to diagnose genetic abnormalities in their baby during prenatal care, despite multiple scans.
The Alappuzha South police registered the case on Tuesday, charging the doctors under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering life and personal safety. The complaint alleges that the abnormalities were missed despite scans conducted at Midas Health Care and Shankar’s Health Scans between July 11 and November 1.
The baby was born on November 8 at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Vandanam with severe internal and external deformities. The couple claims they were only informed of the condition after delivery, following Surumi's referral to MCH due to concerns about fetal movement and heartbeat.
Surumi, 35, under treatment at Kadappuram Women and Child Hospital for her third pregnancy, stated that doctors failed to warn her of any potential genetic issues during her visits. She expressed anguish over being assured that the reports indicated no problems.
One of the accused doctors explained that her involvement was limited to the early stages of pregnancy and that no major concerns were evident in the scans at that time. Diagnostic centers involved in the case have denied any errors, asserting the accuracy of their scan reports.
Health Minister Veena George has taken swift action, ordering a special investigation led by the Additional Director of the Health Department. The Minister confirmed that a district-level inquiry is underway, and further action will follow if lapses are identified. The investigation will also review practices at the diagnostic centers involved.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)