Protests in Kakinada hospital after baby’s death; sanitary worker alleged to have performed delivery

A sanitary worker allegedly performed a delivery at the Tallarevu community health centre in Kakinada district in the early hours of Saturday, prompting protests by family members who alleged negligence by doctors after the baby died, according to a report by ToI.

Medical authorities, however, dismissed the claim, stating the sanitary worker did not carry out the delivery and that a probe has been ordered to find if any negligence was involved.

Relatives alleged negligence, authorities refute claim

The incident raised tensions in the area after relatives protested outside the hospital. Health officials explained that a 22-year-old woman was admitted on Friday morning and kept under observation. According to her relatives, she went into labor in the early hours of Saturday and a sanitary worker on duty performed the delivery.


Doctors said the baby died due to meconium aspiration syndrome — a condition in which a newborn inhales a mixture of fetal stool and amniotic fluid — causing respiratory distress. As the baby’s condition deteriorated, the doctor on duty advised shifting the baby to the Government General Hospital, but the baby died on the way. The woman’s condition is described as stable.

Dr Swapna, district coordinator for health services, explained the sequence of events.

“She clamped the cord and placed oxygen on the baby. Later, she called the nurse and the doctor," she said.

According to health authorities, gynaecologists were present at the health centre until 2 a.m., and a paediatrician, two nurses and a sanitary worker were on duty when the incident occurred.

The sanitary worker, a trained birth attendant, intervened when the delivery suddenly proceeded and the umbilical cord stretched. An inquiry has been instituted, and stern action will be taken if anyone is found negligent, health officials said.

(With inputs from ToI)