Is This Medical Negligence? Doctors Accused in Alappuzha Case
Allegations of Medical Negligence in Alappuzha Prenatal Care
In a troubling incident from Alappuzha, four doctors—two from Kadappuram Government Women and Child Hospital and two linked to private diagnostic labs—are facing accusations of medical negligence.
Anish and Surumi, a couple from the area, claim the doctors failed to identify genetic abnormalities in their baby during prenatal care, despite several scans being conducted.
The Unsettling Discovery After Birth
The couple’s nightmare began when their baby was born on November 8 at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Vandanam with severe internal and external deformities. Surumi had been under care for her third pregnancy at Kadappuram Women and Child Hospital, and during her prenatal visits, doctors assured her that everything was normal. However, after the birth, they were shocked to learn of the baby’s condition, which had been missed during earlier scans.
Parents' Painful Journey: A Lack of Warning
Surumi, who was 35 at the time, expressed her deep anguish over the lack of communication from the doctors. She explained that throughout her pregnancy, no one warned her about any potential genetic issues, and she was reassured that the reports were normal. “If we had known about the potential risks earlier, we could have made more informed decisions,” Surumi said, reflecting on the missed opportunity for intervention or planning.
Doctors and Labs Defend Their Actions
The accused doctors responded by stating that their involvement was primarily during the early stages of Surumi’s pregnancy, and there were no signs of major abnormalities in the scans taken at that time. Meanwhile, the diagnostic labs involved in the case have denied any mistakes, claiming the reports they provided were accurate.
Government's Quick Response
In response to the serious allegations, Health Minister Veena George has initiated a special investigation. The inquiry, led by the Additional Director of the Health Department, will look into the doctors’ actions and review the practices at the diagnostic centres. The Minister assured that strict action would be taken if any lapses in medical care were found.
The Importance of Early Abnormality Detection
Prenatal screenings and scans are crucial tools for detecting genetic abnormalities early in pregnancy. By identifying issues like chromosomal disorders or congenital defects, doctors can give parents the information they need to make informed decisions.
Early detection can help parents understand the potential risks and prepare mentally and emotionally for the challenges ahead. It may also allow them to explore medical options, such as early interventions, specialized care, or even family planning decisions, ultimately improving both the outcome for the child and the parent’s ability to manage the situation.
Had the abnormalities been detected earlier in Surumi’s pregnancy, she and her partner might have had the opportunity to make more informed choices, potentially altering the course of their journey.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
