Separated conjoined Odisha twins clinically well, do not need intensive care: AIIMS Delhi

BHUBANESWAR: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has intimated the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the separated conjoined twins are 'clinically' well and do not need ICU or specialised care.

Responding to a notice served by the national human rights watchdog, authorities of the medical institution stated that the twins' medical requirements can be managed at any state-level hospital in Odisha having good nursing and pediatric support.

Last month, the NHRC had sought an action-taken report from the AIIMS over a petition filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy opposing shifting of the twins to the hospitals in Odisha.

The craniopagus conjoined twins fused at head, considered a very rare occurrence, were successfully separated after a 21-hour-long surgery in October last year.

In the reply to the NHRC, AIIMS authorities claimed that the children were thoroughly evaluated by a team of doctors including pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons.

"After four months of surgery, risk to life is very low and they can be discharged and shifted back to Odisha for supportive and continued care. A team of senior doctors dealing with the twins believed that they can be managed at any state-level medical college or district hospital with good nursing and pediatric support," the reply stated.

Raising doubts over availability of essential infrastructure and facilities for the treatment and care of the twins in the State, Tripathy had filed the petition after Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena informed that the shifting of the twins to Bhubaneswar from New Delhi was being considered as overstay in hospital may cause infection.

"Though the AIIMS has agreed to keep the twins for at least three months on humanitarian grounds, we would appeal again to extend their stay for some more months as it was rarest of rare surgery," Tripathy informed.

The reply mentioned that even as the Odisha Government had provided Rs one crore for treatment of the twins, the premier institute had used only Rs 11.8 lakh. The remaining money was transferred back to the State Government in December last year.

However, entire stay at the hospital for both the children and their parents in two separate rooms over the last eight months and their logistics, and consumables amounting to over Rs 25 lakh was borne by the AIIMS.