Doctor suspended over newborn’s death at Nedumangad district hospital

Thiruvananthapuram: A doctor from district hospital at Nedumangad, who was transferred to Punalur taluk hospital on Wednesday morning following a newborn's death due to alleged medical negligence, has been suspended. Dr Bindu Sundar's suspension followed allegations of bribery.Based on health minister Veena George's directive, a detailed investigation was ordered, and a team of expert doctors from SAT Hospital, of Thiruvananthapuram medical college, was appointed. The team included doctors from paediatrics, gynaecology and anaesthesia departments. They were instructed to conduct the investigation and submit an urgent report on Wednesday.
A baby, delivered via caesarean section, died on Tuesday. The baby's mother Niranjana, who was full-term pregnant, was admitted to the hospital on Monday after being advised during a checkup that day. Around 4am on Tuesday, Niranjana was taken to the labour room and by 2pm, a caesarean section was performed. Subsequently, the baby passed away. The doctor stated respiratory distress as the cause of the baby's death.Following this, the deceased baby's relatives protested by blocking the RDO and hospital superintendent in front of the hospital on Tuesday. As protests intensified, Dr Sundar was instructed to go on compulsory leave on Tuesday.Director of health services Dr K J Reena said there were previous complaints too against Dr Sundar. The director added that the suspended doctor wouldn't be reinstated at district hospital.Meanwhile, Kerala Govt Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) strongly condemned the mob trial and the creation of a tense situation at the hospital by detaining doctors following the neonatal death. The trend of threatening and attacking doctors and healthcare workers at medical institutions posed a severe threat to the public health system, said KGMOA in a statement."Taking action against doctors under external pressure before an expert committee completes a comprehensive and scientific investigation related to the incident is unacceptable. This violates the fundamental principles of justice and a scientific approach," said KGMOA leaders.KGMOA organised protest programmes at all health institutions in Thiruvananthapuram district on Wednesday. The association warned that if govt failed to ensure safety and justice to doctors, it would escalate to stronger protest actions.