Disabilities of new born baby: Probe ordered, strict action will be taken, says health minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George announced an investigation into the incident of a baby born with serious disabilities. A special team led by the additional director of the health department will investigate the incident. The minister clarified that an investigation will also be conducted against the scanning center.

An investigation was launched as soon as the incident came to light. The minister informed that a district-level investigation was launched yesterday and that strict action will be taken against the culprits.

The family alleged that the baby's disabilities were not detected earlier. The police had registered a case against four doctors over the incident. The Alappuzha South police have registered a case against Dr Shirley and Dr Pushpa, gynecologists at the Alappuzha Kadappuram Children and Women's Hospital, and two doctors from a private lab.

The baby's eyes and ears are not in the right place. There is a hole in the heart. The baby’s mother said the arms and legs are curved and there are no genitals. The family's complaint said the doctors did not detect the disabilities despite several scans during pregnancy.

The DMO had earlier asked the hospital superintendent to submit a report immediately. The superintendent will immediately submit the preliminary investigation report to the DMO. Only after this will action be taken against the doctors.