A newborn died due to lack of timely treatment after a doctor allegedly refused to attend to the case at night at Dag Sub-District Hospital in Jhalawar on Thursday. Following the incident, the Health Department launched an investigation against the doctor and compounder. Both have been placed under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) and temporarily relieved of their duties until further action is taken.
Family member Lakshman Singh said,
Bhavana Kanwar (30), a resident of Chaukadi village in Dag police station area, was admitted to Dag hospital around 9 pm on Thursday. At 10 pm, she gave normal delivery to a baby (son). About 2 hours later, the newborn started crying. His condition started deteriorating. The compounder present at the scene admitted the newborn to the ICU. The attendant was sent to Doctor Mukesh Bhardwaj's private residence, but the doctor refused to come for treatment. The newborn's condition continued to deteriorate. By the time the doctor reached the hospital at 8 am, it was too late. After examination, the newborn was declared dead.
Newborn faces difficulty in breathing
Block Medical Officer Vikas Jain said that the newborn was experiencing breathing difficulties and signs of anxiety, prompting immediate admission to the ICU. However, when the attendant went to call the doctor, no one responded.
Allegations of medical negligence have surfaced, leading to disciplinary action. Doctor Mukesh Bhardwaj has been transferred to Kachnara Hospital, while the compounder has been sent to Jhalawar. According to available information, both the doctor and the compounder had been posted at Dag Hospital for the past three months.