Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rules out medical negligence in newborn death cases

GUWAHATI: Following the death of eight new born babies at the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Assam's Barpeta district, state health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday ruled out medical negligence.

The expert committee formed by the Assam government to look into the incident submitted its report to the government on Friday. It said the conditions of the deceased new born were very critical and most of the mothers also had pregnancy-related complications.

"All the new born babies were diagnosed as having severe birth asphyxia. Four of the eight babies were of low birth weight in addition to birth asphyxia. Majority of the mothers did not have proper antenatal care and attended hospital very late while in labour," the report said.

The report stated, "All the patient were attended instantly in the hospital and adequate care was given for delivery of the babies. Most of the mothers were in critical conditions with complications like oligo-hydromnios, severe anaemia, etc. However, the mothers were saved because of adequate and prompt treatment in the hospital."