Baby born with deformities in Alappuzha faces health challenges; gender test confirms boy

Alappuzha: The child, who was born with severe genetic deformities at Women & Children Hospital, remains in critical conditions.

The newborn was initially admitted to the intensive care unit at the Medical College due to respiratory distress. Later, the baby was transferred to a ward, where it experienced further complications.

Meanwhile, the Health department officials have confirmed that a gender determination test revealed the baby is a boy. The test was conducted after the family expressed uncertainty about the baby's gender. The baby, who has not been named even after 40 days, was awaiting the results of genetic tests to identify any underlying disorders. These results are expected in six months, which will guide the medical team in deciding the next steps for treatment.

The family has raised concerns about the baby's condition, alleging medical malpractice during delivery at Kadappuram Women and Children’s Hospital. Despite undergoing seven scans during pregnancy as per the doctor's instructions, the serious defects in the baby were not detected. Following this, a case was registered against four doctors.

Adding to the family’s distress, Mathrubhumi reported that the hospital had been charging for the baby’s health check-ups, collecting Rs 250 twice for treatment despite state policies ensuring free treatment for children under 18. Minister Veena George also assured the family that the state would cover the entire treatment cost. 

The baby’s father, Anish Muhammed, a taxi driver and the sole breadwinner of the family, expressed frustration over the financial burden of hospital visits. He also noted that the hospital authorities explained the charges were due to a miscommunication involving an inexperienced trainee, and the hospital superintendent. The hospital promised to return the collected money.

As the baby’s treatment continues, the family remains hopeful for the results of the genetic tests and for the state’s support in ensuring the child receives the necessary care.