Ahmedabad, Gujarat – A newborn’s family from Vijapur, Mehsana, is in distress after the 11-day-old infant developed gangrene in her hand. The family claims medical negligence at Parth Hospital in Visnagar caused the baby’s condition, prompting allegations and urgent calls for justice.
Newborn’s hand turns black after hospital treatment
The infant, weighing just 1.3 kg, was initially delivered via cesarean section at Kashiba Hospital on November 25. Due to her low weight, she was admitted to Parth Hospital under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, where she stayed in an incubator for seven days and received daily injections. On the seventh day, the hospital called her parents, saying, “The baby’s hand has turned black; take her from here immediately.”
Family alleges doctor’s negligence
According to the infant’s father, Ankit Rawal, when he questioned the doctor about the blackening of the hand, he was reportedly told, “The mother, aunt, or grandfather must have pressed the hand, that’s why this happened.” Shocked by the response, the family transferred the baby to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Doctors there reportedly diagnosed gangrene and advised amputation of the affected hand.
Unwilling to proceed with amputation, the family then moved the infant to Vadnagar Civil Hospital, where doctors expressed hope of a 50% recovery. The family asserts that the hospital has not provided any documentation regarding treatment, medications, or reports and demands accountability, emphasizing, “Our only request is that our baby recovers.”
Mother alleges mistreatment and medical errors
The infant’s mother, Suhani Rawal, emotionally recounted the sequence of events: “My wife was admitted to Kashiba Hospital for delivery, and the baby was immediately placed in an incubator at Parth Hospital due to low weight. Daily injections were administered, but due to an error with the needle, our baby’s hand turned black. This is entirely the doctor’s mistake, and we will not consent to amputation.”
Current condition and hospital response
Vadnagar Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Harshit Patel stated, “The 11-day-old baby was admitted around 12:15 PM from a private hospital in Visnagar. One part of her hand is completely black. Initial examination suggests gangrene, likely caused by restricted blood supply to the affected area. We are coordinating with pediatric surgeons and referring her to a larger facility. The District Development Officer has also been informed.”
When contacted for comment, Dr. Parth of Parth Hospital reportedly said, “I am currently out; I will respond later,” and abruptly ended the call.
Angle
This case raises serious questions about medical accountability and neonatal care standards in private hospitals. Families of critically ill newborns rely heavily on accurate and careful treatment, and errors can have lifelong consequences. Local authorities and health officials are expected to investigate, and the family is demanding immediate action to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.