Pareekshith Shet

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 15: In a tragic incident which occurred at the women and children hospital here on the night of Friday October 14, a newborn male child lost its life. The couple, which was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first child, was depressed. They have blamed the doctor and nurse of the hospital for this development, accusing them of negligent handling of the case. They are now considering filing an official complaint with the district health officer about this episode.

Nalini Kulal

Nalini in hospital

Family members in front of hospital

Manohar Kulal from Alevoor Marne, and Nalini Kulal, had married four years back. The couple were anxiously awaiting the delivery and addition of a new member to their small family. Nalini, who underwent regular check-ups, got admitted into the hospital last Monday. On Friday, she underwent labour, after which some nurses including one named Vishalakshi prepared for normal delivery, it is said. During the delivery, the umbilical cord got coiled around the neck of the baby. Manohar has accused the nurse concerned of forcibly pulling out the child with the umbilical cord around its neck, thereby causing the death of the infant on account of suffocation. The condition of Nalini turned critical after coming to know about the fate that has befallen her.

The family feels that during the scanning process, the concerned should have come to know that the neck of the baby was gripped by the umbilical cord. They have accused the nurse of trying to do a job which obstetrician, Kishori, was to handle, by claiming herself to be highly experienced and causing the death of the baby. "We have questioned the nurses but they are not giving proper answers. The doctors are not available for contact. They say they cannot do anything. When Dr Kishori was approached, she said that deliveries are handled by nurses. We have lost the joy of having a new member to our family because of the negligence of the doctors and nurses of this hospital. We have decided to file complaint with the district health officer. We demand strict action against the guilty nurse and doctors," the family members demanded.