A theft at the Rajgarh district hospital in Madhya Pradesh caused a disruption in the oxygen supply to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), leaving 12 newborns struggling to breathe. Unidentified thieves stole a 10 to 15 feet long copper oxygen pipe late Tuesday night, triggering panic as the newborns began crying due to breathing difficulties. The NICU's alarm system immediately went off, alerting the medical staff, who quickly worked to address the crisis.

To prevent a potential disaster, the staff swiftly attached a backup jumbo oxygen cylinder to the system. Pediatrician Dr. RS Mathur rushed to the hospital in response to the emergency, and the oxygen supply was successfully restored. Rajgarh’s Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Kiran Wadia confirmed that the situation was quickly managed and informed higher authorities about the incident.

At the time of the theft, 20 newborns were being treated in the NICU, 12 of whom required oxygen. Thanks to the backup cylinder, the critical situation was averted.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sruthi Suresh/MSM))