Genetic birth disorder or other birth defects can be diagnosed and detected in babies before birth. Pre-natal scanning and ultrasonograms are used to detect these problems that may be dangerous for both the mother and the infant. In a very absurd case in Kerala, four doctors in Alappuzha have been booked for allegedly not being able to detect genetic disorders in a new born while it was in the mother's womb, said police reports. Reports also state that an FIR has been filed against them for medical negligence.
Two of the accused have been identified as Pushpa and Sherly from the Kaddapuram Government Women and Children's Hospital, Alappuzha. The other two have not been identified yet but reports say that they are doctors with private laboratories Midas Health Care and Scanning Laboratory and Shankar's Health Scans and Diagnostic.
As per reports, the case was registered on November 26, based on a complaint from the father of the newborn.
Failure To Detect Birth Defects
As per the couple allegations, the doctors failed to detect and disclose that the infant had genetic abnormalities during prenatal scans. They said that the couple was told that the reports were all normal. They also claim jay the baby was not shown to then couple for four days after the delivery.
FIR Case Against The Doctors
The doctors have been booked under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which states endangering the life and personal safety of others. Reports say that two of the scan centres were run by two doctors who have been accused in the case.
Is It Normal For Doctors To Not Be Able To Detect Genetic Birth Defects?
While it is true that not all birth defects can be diagnosed before the baby is born but, if doctor's detect any kind of abnormalities they typically suggest the mother to continue prenatal scans to be sure. As per CDC, further diagnostic tests are recommended for parents to rule out any kind of risks. There are three types of tests that doctor's can conduct on a pregnant woman as per CDC:
- High resolution ultrasound
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
These three tests are done to rule out any abnormalities in the foetus. In most cases of birth defects, they are diagnosed before birth. Very rare cases include a diagnosis after birth. But, in that case the baby is kept under special care and observation.