In an attempt to save the skin of the doctors indicted by the inquiry committee that probed the death of four infants in the hospital within a span of 12 hours last month, the Doon Women’s Hospital administration has merely issued warning letters to the three doctors.
Taking cognizance of infant deaths the medical health and family welfare department had ordered an inquiry in the incident. The inquiry committee in its report had found three doctors who are working on contract as guilty of failing to perform their duties properly.
When contacted the Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Doon Women hospital, Dr Chandra Pant told The Pioneer that on the basis of the investigation committee three contractual doctors of the hospital have been issued letters with stern warning. She added that their services would be terminated if more complaints are received against them.
Dr Pant said that since the doctors are on contract they can either be warned or removed.
It is pertinent to mention here that four new born babies had died in the hospital on intervening night of 11/12 October. The agitated parents and their relatives raised a ruckus in the hospital campus and demanded an inquiry in the incident.
Dr Tripti Bahuguna who at that time was officiating Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of hospital had stated that the infants who died were pre mature, under weight, suffered form acute infection and had respiratory problems.
The inquiry however has not only indicted the three contractual doctors but also has indirectly put a question mark on the working of the staff and administration of the biggest women hospital of the State.
It is noteworthy that the nursery of the hospital which caters patients from Dehradun, large part of Garhwal division and some districts of western Uttar Pradesh have only 20 beds and is equipped with only two ventilators.
This nursery serves about 200 premature and severely ill infants every month out of which 20-30 fail to recover and die.