Newborn declared dead, later ‘found breathing’:Father films ‘alive’ infant in NICU; family alleges negligence at Hamidia Hospital

A controversy has erupted at Hamidia Hospital after a newborn, declared dead and issued a death certificate, was allegedly found showing signs of breathing nearly four hours later, prompting allegations of negligence and a confrontation between the family and hospital staff. The infant’s father, Parvez, a resident of Bareli in Raisen district, claimed that he was handed a death certificate late at night stating that the baby had died around 8.30 pm. However, when he went to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to collect the body, he noticed movement in the baby girl. “I saw her abdomen moving. She appeared to be breathing,” Parvez alleged, adding that he recorded a video of the incident and questioned the doctors present. Hospital authorities, however, maintained that the baby was extremely premature — around five to six months of gestation — and weighed only about 450 grams at birth. Doctors said no heartbeat was detected during the initial examination. Pregnant woman was referred from two centers A woman doctor at Hamidia Hospital said the father, Parvez, a resident of Bareli in Raisen district, had first taken his pregnant wife to a nearby health centre when she went into labour. She was later referred to Raisen District Hospital and then to Hamidia Hospital’s gynaecology department. The woman was in a critical condition and was immediately admitted to the labour room. The pregnancy was around five to six months, indicating a preterm delivery. The baby born during delivery weighed only 450 grams. Doctors said there was no response in the baby’s body at birth. Even after examination with a stethoscope, no heartbeat was recorded. As per protocol, the infant was then shifted to the NICU. Death certificate in hand, but breathing continued Some time after delivery, the family was informed that the baby was stillborn. Around midnight, they were also given a death certificate, which recorded the time of death as approximately 8:30 pm. Meanwhile, the family remained occupied with formalities and the mother’s care. According to Parvez, when he later reached the NICU at night, he noticed that the baby appeared to be breathing. He recorded a video, in which the infant’s stomach can be seen moving. He then questioned the doctors present there When questions were asked, doctors created controversy The family alleged that when they asked doctors about the situation, they were not given clear answers. They also claimed that attempts were made to stop them from recording videos, and there was even some pushing and shoving. No official statement has been issued by the hospital regarding this behaviour, but senior doctors have sought an explanation from the duty staff. Delayed referral worsened the situation Doctors said the pregnant woman was not brought to the hospital in time, which worsened her condition. They added that timely medical care could have possibly led to a different outcome. They also acknowledged that the newborn was not kept under observation for a sufficient duration. Ideally, such cases should be monitored for a few hours before confirming the final status. The early declaration led to confusion. Doctor said – This was an Abortus case On Thursday morning around 9 am, a team of senior doctors spoke to the family and tried to explain the situation. They said the baby was extremely premature and its organs were not fully developed. They described it as an “Abortus” case. In such situations, some movement may be seen briefly after birth, but survival chances remain minimal. In medical terms, “Abortus” refers to a foetus delivered before 20 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 500 grams. In such cases, full development does not occur and the chances of survival are very low. This condition can arise naturally or due to medical reasons.