Newborn, declared dead by Delhi hospital, found alive when taken for last rites

The incident has been reported from Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh. Hospital officials said that a 22-week, premature baby, was handed over to the family, which did not have any "signs of life". However, later, when the body was being taken for last rites, the new born was found to be alive.

Written by Kaunain Sheriff M | New Delhi | Updated: December 1, 2017 5:20 pm
Newborn, declared dead by Delhi hospital, found alive when taken for last rites Visual of the newborn who was declared dead by Delhi hospital but found alive by family later. (Source: ANI Twitter)

In a case of severe medical negligence, one of the newborn twins, which were declared dead by a private hospital in Delhi, was found alive when the family was taking the body for last rites. The hospital has initiated an inquiry and the doctor concerned has been asked to proceed on leave, officials confirmed to The Indian Express.

The incident has been reported from Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh. Hospital officials said a premature baby of 22 weeks, which did not have any “signs of life”, was handed over to the family.  However, later, when the body was being taken for last rites, the newborn  was found to be alive.

“It has been brought to our attention that a premature (22 weeks), newborn baby who is reported to be on life support at a nursing home was unfortunately handed over without any sign of life by Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh. This baby was one of the twins delivered on Nov 30 morning. The other baby was still-born. We are shaken and concerned at this rare incident. We have initiated a detailed enquiry, pending which, the concerned doctor has been asked to proceed on leave immediately. We are in constant touch with the parents and are providing all the needed support.” Max Hospital authorities said.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda condemned the incident and asked for necessary action. “Very unfortunate incident, have asked Delhi government to look into it the matter and take necessary action. I appeal to the states to adopt Clinical Establishments Act so that regulatory authorities are operative and can see working and functioning of private institutions,” said Nadda.

Meanwhile, Swati Maliwal, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) condemned the incident and said, “Horrifying incident. Proper enquiry should be done in the matter and strictest action should be taken against those responsible.”