Doctor dismissed over death of six-month-old tribal baby in Wayanad

WAYANAD: A doctor on contract basis was dismissed from service following the death of a tribal baby in Mananthavady Medical College hospital. The action was taken after serious lapse was found from doctor’s part.

The baby of couple Bineesh and Leela from Karattukunnu colony in Mananthavady had died. The baby was suffering from pneumonia and anaemia. The hospital authorities sent them home after providing medication and the child died the next day. The Health Department, Scheduled Tribes Development Department and ICDS have failed to report the details on child’s malnutrition and weight loss. Show-cause notices were issued to two nurses who are local health workers under the health department. District Medical Officer Dr P Dinesh said that the investigation is ongoing.

The child also sought treatment in Primary Health centre in Vellamunda and Karakkamala health centre. But the family alleged that they didn’t give proper treatment. The baby was taken to Mananthavady Medical college in the ambulance allotted by tribal department as per the instruction of health department workers.

As per the postmortem report, the reason for child’s death was pneumonia and anaemia. However, it is alleged that the doctor report didn't mention lung infection. The medical college doctor was also unable to diagnose anaemia. The baby weighed 2.25 kg at birth but weighed only 3 kg at the time of death.

Apart from this, it has been found that the child was sent away without seeking the opinion of the on-duty casualty medical officer or pediatrician. The doctor was dismissed considering the serious lapse. Principal KK Mubarak said that the dismissal order was handed over on Friday evening.