Child swapping? DC orders DNA test

Gagan K Teja 

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 21

After allegations of child swapping surfaced at the Government Rajindra Hospital, the Patiala Deputy Commissioner has ordered to conduct the DNA test of the child in question. 

A man, Abdul Khan, had complained that his newborn boy was swapped with a girl at the hospital. However, the hospital authorities are denying the allegations, claiming that there was some confusion on the part of the couple and the DNA report would put an end to the confusion.

Abdul, who is a welder by profession, claimed that his wife Ashia, who was referred to the hospital from Mata Kaushalya Hospital following some complications, had delivered a boy on June 5 at the hospital. “My wife was operated upon by doctors and when she regained her conscious, the nurses informed her that she had delivered a boy. However, we were handed over a girl the next day. How can the sex of the child change overnight,” he rued.

His wife Ashia further claimed that when she confronted the doctors and nurses over the issue, they refused to admit their mistake. However, she alleged that one of the doctors had confirmed that she had delivered a boy following which they raised a hue and cry but to no avail.

“I have been feeding the girl child since then because it is not her fault but I want my child back. The thought that my child is with someone else is traumatic. When the hospital authorities failed to hear our pleas, we approached DC Kumar Amit, who has ordered an inquiry into the matter. We just want justice,” she rued. 

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr BS Brar denied the allegations. He said, “The baby was delivered on June 5 but the couple kept quiet for five days and were happily taking care of the child.  I fail to understand what happened to them after five days. Why would any doctor swap their child as none of them have any personal interest in the matter. However, we have still constituted a committee, which will submit a detailed report soon.