Hospital Staff Suspended and Transferred Over Infant Deaths in Kolkata

Four staffers of the state-run Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata have been transferred and several others suspended following the death of two babies allegedly due to overheating in a warmer equipment.

According to state health //services director B.R. Satpathi, punitive action has been initiated against at least seven healthcare workers at the hospital, including the head of the pediatric unit and three junior doctors.

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The team led by the director of medical education and training will look into the deaths of infants at the Sardar Vallabbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics.

‘The two newborns died in the radiant warmer of the sick neonatal care unit due to overheating caused by the negligence of the hospital staff.’

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"The decision has been approved by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Four people have been transferred to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, including head of the pediatric unit, nursing head and the deputy. Three junior doctors and the nursing staff are on suspension. The sister-in-charge has been put on immediate suspension," Satpathi said.

However, a section of the nursing unit launched a protest against the suspension and transfer orders accusing the state government of not providing adequate infrastructure and staff to support the care of newborns.

A probe panel was set up by the authorities following allegations by their parents that the babies died in the radiant warmer apparatus due to overheating caused by negligence of the hospital staff.

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Poor health infrastructure of child and maternity care has been principally attributed to rise in cases of neo-natal and infants deaths in Odisha.

The bereaved parents also accused the hospital of misleading on the cause of the death in the death certificate.

Admitted to the sick neonatal care unit, the infants died on November 21.

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Panic-stricken parents are taking away their sick children from the pediatric hospital and seeking treatment for them in private hospitals.

According to the WHO, newborn babies, in particular pre-term and those with low birth weight, are predisposed to hypothermia and warming devices, namely incubators and radiant warmers, are needed for them.

Source-IANS

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The team may also suggest steps to be taken for improving infrastructure and other facilities for the benefit of improving health care facility in the hospital.