Panel to probe negligence in newborn’s care at hospital

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has ordered an independent inquiry into a complaint alleging medical negligence in the treatment of a newborn at a private hospital in Moga. The directive was issued by commission Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and Member Justice Gurbir Singh.

A Ludhiana-based woman had complained that negligence in medical care caused her infant to suffer severe vision loss. The baby’s condition worsened rapidly, resulting in complete loss of vision in the right eye and only partial recovery of vision in the left eye following a corrective surgery performed in Chennai.

The complaint also includes serious allegations of irregularities in hospital records, specifically the manipulation of discharge dates to claim excessive funds under a government health insurance scheme. Furthermore, the complainant alleged receiving threats when she considered initiating legal action against the hospital and the doctors involved.

Taking serious cognisance of the matter, the commission has directed the Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, to constitute a three-member independent medical committee. The committee must comprise the Civil Surgeon, one paediatrician and an eye specialist, with the flexibility to enlist the best available experts.

The committee is instructed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit its report to the commission one week prior to the next date of hearing. The commission emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in medical practices.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 26.