A case of stillborn was reported from the tribal region of Attappady here during early Saturday morning taking the infant death toll since January this year to 15.
Thankamma, wife of Pazhaniswami of Nelliyampathy tribal hamlet, had undergone caesarean at a private hospital at Anaikatty in Attappady and the doctor confirmed it a case of stillborn.
The family said medical negligence was the reason for death of the infant.
Though Thankamma was admitted to Government Tribal Speciality Hospital at Kottathara on December 16 following pregnancy- related complications, there was no gynaecologist in the hospital to look after her. When the situation turned worse, she was shifted to the Anaikatty hospital on Saturday evening.
Health Minister K.K. Shylaja has ordered an investigation into the infant deaths in the Attappady tribal belt. The Director, Health Services, has been instructed to investigate the deaths and submit a report urgently. The Minister has ordered a probe into the allegation that gynaecologists in the region had gone on mass leave.