Mangalore, August 25: The premature male baby that was reportedly declared ‘dead’ by doctors was found to be alive just before burial; has expired in a private hospital in the city on Sunday August 24th.
A premature baby was born to Gauri and Pushparaj, residents of Kumpala on August 15th at a private hospital in Kuthar. The baby was kept in ventilator and on August 23rd.The doctors reportedly declared that the baby was ‘dead’.
The baby was carried for cremation. But as per tradition, when milk was poured into its mouth; the baby suddenly cried out, much to the astonishment and joy of the parents. The baby was immediately rushed to another hospital, where he was said to be recovering. The joy of the parents was momentary since the baby breathed his last on Sunday evening.
Doctors at the private hospital clarified that they never pronounced the baby as ‘dead’ and that the parents had got the baby discharged on their own accord. The baby was suffering from congenital kidney failure and the condition was critical. Though the baby was put on ventilator and kept under keen observation, the condition deteriorated and a neuro sonogram was done which showed features of intraventricular haemorrhage and other symptoms, indicating poor prognosis (chances of recovery). The condition of the baby was explained to the parents, who were then not willing to continue treatment. Hence the baby was discharged on request, stated the hospital.
Dr Raghuveer, a senior doctor, pointed out that if the baby had been declared dead, a death certificate would have been issued by the hospital. But in this case, it was not and hence the baby’s death was not caused due to negligence of doctors, he clarified to the reporters.
