While medical science is working hard to save lives, there is a bigger problem arising that fails all the efforts and money invested. Negligence is not only a personal issue but also a herd mentality issue. It starts from one person, to an institution and finally to a society as a whole.
When the recent tragic news of Gorakhpur shook the nation, another blow came our way from Farrukhabad.
baby deaths
Forty-nine infants died in a month at Farrukhabad’s Ram Manohar Lohia government hospital, most of them due to “perinatal asphyxia”, a condition in which the child cannot breathe properly, officials said on Monday.
Soon after the matter came to light, the state government transferred the district magistrate (DM), the chief medical officer (CMO) and the chief medical superintendent (CMS).
19 of the children who died at the Ram Manohar Lohia district hospital were still-born, say officials. The deaths took place between July 20 and August 21, when there were over 460 deliveries in the hospital.
Sunaina with her newborn at the Farrukhabad hospital. (Source- Express Photo:Vishal Srivastav)
“Oxygen is not an issue in the entire episode. I think, of late, we are generating undue sensitivity to oxygen. It has become more of a buzzword,” said Prashant Trivedi, UP’s Principal Secretary, Health to NDTV.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Uma Kant Pandey, Medical Superintendent Akhilesh Agarwal and another doctor Kailash Kumar, have been removed but the state government has denied that the action is linked to a police complaint filed by district magistrate Ravindra Kumar, the first official sent to investigate the reports of children dying.
The state government has now asked another top health official to carry out a fresh investigation.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attacked the UP government in a tweet.
As a new parent, when you have a choice to select the hospital in which you want to deliver your baby, it’s always best to keep a few pointers to keep in mind to make sure, that your parenthood journey is smooth and you are stress-free.
1. Location of the Hospital
You maybe doing a lot of research on the best hospitals available, but the most intelligent thing to do is to find the best, but nearest to your house. During an emergency, it will be faster and easier to reach that hospital without any stress.
2. Doctor
The next and the most important thing to figure out is your OB-GYN. See if you are comfortable with a male or a female first. Next testimonials always helps. Ask friends and families around and do some ground research before you fix the doctor. Remember, a good reliable and efficient doctor in the nearest good hospital will not only make your pregnancy journey memorable but also easy and happy. The lack of trust constantly bites one inside that is harmful to the baby.
3. Staff
Though the doctor is important, the other thing that is equally important is the staff in the particular department. Doctors float in and out during the procedures, but the real pillars of a successful smooth delivery is also borne by the staff in the department. You will get a glimpse of it and make your judgements. Also asking around and testimonials also help a lot.
4. Family and Friends
Make sure that you have your closest circles informed and around all the time. If you don’t have any other family members or friends near to your house or hospital, it’s time to make new ones! Giving birth is such a phenomenon that no one can really predict the exact time and situation and need. Its always good to have handy people around.
Also Read: Baby deaths and brain injuries during labour and delivery: How can it be reduced?
