The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Infant’s death: police waiting for post-mortem report

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Sunday, Oct 07, 2007
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Infant’s death: police waiting for post-mortem report

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The City Police are awaiting the post-mortem report on the three-day-old baby that died at the General Hospital here on Thursday. The infant’s death had triggered protests against alleged dereliction of duty by health officials.

The post-mortem examination was completed at Alappuzha Medical College to ascertain the exact cause of death, based on which the case registered of unnatural death will be followed up.

Meanwhile, the District Medical Officer K.T. Remani, who is heading a departmental inquiry into the incident, said that the report would be ready in a couple of days. This would be presented to the Director of Health Services.

As of now, no action was been taken against Dr. Kala Kumari, against whom allegations had been made in this context. The health officials had said on Thursday that a preliminary inquiry showed the baby was born in an asphyxiated condition, probably due to the mother having fever at the time of delivery.

KGMOA protests

The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association has protested against the tendency to indict duty doctors for natural deaths happening in the hospitals. In this particular case, the baby was born with birth asphyxia and was given intensive care after getting written consent from the baby’s father. The General Hospital attends to patients referred from neighbouring areas, most of them in critical status. Accusing doctors for natural deaths would adversely affect their morale, the Association said, adding that the doctors were ready to face any inquiry in this incident.

CPI(ML) begins fast

The CPI(ML) Red Flag began fast in front of District Medical Office, calling for suspension of the gynaecologist who attended the case. Yuvajanavedi area secretary K.V. Rajesh went on a fast on Saturday.

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