A woman gave birth to a stillborn baby at the Primary Health Center (PHC) in a village in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. It is alleged that during this time no doctor was present on duty in the PHC. The Health Department is investigating the matter. Arokiyajayraj C, a 34-year-old man, claimed that the nurses were taking instructions from a doctor over the phone when his wife was admitted to the PHC at 4 am on August 31.
He said that his wife went into labor at around 8 am and both the nurses shifted her to the labor room.
With the Help of Two Staff Colleagues, the Nurses Got His Wife Delivered
He said that on the same day at 11.15 am, he noticed that the child was not breathing. Following which he requested the services of a doctor in the outpatient department of the PHC.
When the doctor saw the newborn, he was declared dead. Doctors said that the baby was born dead.
However, Cuddalore district’s Joint Director of Health Services Dr. Ramesh Babu told IANS that there are many reasons why babies are still born and this happens even in big hospitals with better facilities.
He denied the allegations and said that the preliminary investigation conducted by the district health department did not find any discrepancy.
It is an upgraded PHC with 30 beds, Joint Director Dr. Ramesh Babu told IANS. Doctors are available round the clock and trained nurses take care of the patients.
In the preliminary inquiry, no negligence on the part of the PHC has come to the fore. However, a detailed investigation will be conducted on Monday with a special team of doctors.
