Two babies die at hospital

Families allege lack of facilities, probe ordered

Two neonates died allegedly due to lack of facilities at Baramulla district hospital in north Kashmir, prompting health authorities to order an inquiry.

The families of the infants allege that the babies were on ventilator support when electricity in the hospital went off and the staff did not turn on the generator. The hospital has denied the allegations, but the directorate of health has ordered an inquiry to probe the allegations.

“On Friday morning, three neonates were under observation in the hospital when two of them developed some complications. One of the babies was suffering from asphyxia due to meconium aspiration, while the other had Septicemia and both were looked after by a paediatrician on duty,” medical superintendent Dr Bashir Ahmad said.

Ahmad said after the condition of babies deteriorated further, the paediatrician performed incubation and resuscitation on one baby at the hospital, but could not save him.

The other baby, with severe infection, was referred to Srinagar G B Pant hospital, but died on the way, he said.

Ahmad said the hospital has two generator sets for power back up and denied any negligence by the staff on duty.

Police has also supported the hospital version that the babies died due to severe infection and there was no negligence.

“The two babies died due to severe infection. One of them was referred to Srinagar hospital. But died on the way and the other one died at the hospital,” a police spokesman said.

Taking note of the incident, director health services Kashmir has ordered an enquiry to look into the cause of deaths and the allegations of negligence.