Mother files plaint after baby born with severe deformities; alleges details concealed by hospital
Alappuzha: An investigation into the complaint filed by a woman regarding the birth of an infant with severe deformities will be conducted under the supervision of the Alappuzha DYSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police). A medical board will soon be formed for a detailed investigation into this. The investigation has been initiated based on the complaint lodged by the 34-year-old woman from Alappuzha
The woman received treatment from a hospital in Kadappuram during her pregnancy and the delivery was performed via cesarean section at the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital. The complainant alleged that despite undergoing multiple scans, the deformities of the fetus were not detected, and that it is a failure on the part of the doctors at the women and children’s hospital.
The infant was born with significant abnormalities:
- The face is not of normal structure.
- The mouth does not open.
- Eyes are mispositioned and do not open.
- There is a hole in the heart.
- The genitalia is severely malformed.
- Limbs are bent.
- The ears are non-functional and mispositioned.
- When placed on the back, the tongue retracts inward.
These abnormalities were only noticed after birth.
The health department officials, on Wednesday, inspected two scanning labs where the scans were conducted, based on the complaint received by the District Medical Officer (DMO). They officials examined the efficiency of the scanning machines and verified whether the doctor who performed the scan signed the reports.
A case has been registered against two gynecologists from Kadappuram hospital and the doctors from the two scanning labs based on the complaint. However, the investigation cannot be handled solely by the police, which is why a medical board will be formed. This board will include the DMO, gynecologists, and pediatric specialists.
The investigation will follow the standard procedures for medical negligence cases. Authorities clarified that filing a case immediately upon receiving a complaint against doctors is not a routine practice. It has been alleged that no explanation was sought from the hospital authorities before filing the case. The case was registered after recording the complainant's statement.
Police stated that preliminary investigations suggested merit in the complaint, prompting them to proceed with the case. Detailed statements and evidence will be collected from both the complainant and the accused.
The DMO has also requested a preliminary report from the superintendent of the Women and Children’s Hospital regarding the incident. The Health department officials stated that the complaint is being taken seriously.
Rare medical occurrence
Dr Shirley, a gynecologist at Kadappuram Women and Children’s Hospital, said, “the woman received proper medical care throughout her pregnancy. The complexities of the case were communicated to the woman’s husband. Regular scans were recommended. The scanning was referred to another lab under the Central Government's free scheme Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).”
“After the seventh-month scan, we found that the amniotic fluid levels were increasing. The patient was advised to get admitted as the fluid levels continued to rise. After the next scan, I had to take leave due to personal reasons and so another doctor took over the case. She eventually referred the woman to the medical college hospital due to the complications,” Dr Shirley added.
“Gynecologists cannot evaluate every aspect of a scan. Only a radiologist can assess such details,” Dr Shirley said.
Consultant radiologist Dr Padma Shanthappan from Cherthala Kinder Hospital stated that not all issues can be detected through scans and that conditions may change when fluid levels increase.