Haveri surgeon says infant died in its mother’s womb

In the wake of reports about negligence of hospital staff in the death of an infant soon after birth at the District Hospital in Haveri on Tuesday, the office of the District Surgeon has clarified that it is a case of macerated intrauterine death (IUD), i.e., the death of foetus in its mother’s womb.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the District Surgeon, an eight- month pregnant Roopa Girish Karabannavar from Kakol in Ranebennur taluk came to the hospital at 10.34 a.m. on Tuesday with a complaint of headache, vomiting and no movement of the foetus in the womb.

“After finding symptoms of Preeclampsia during examination, the 32-year-old patient was sent to the maternity wing for further treatment. And, as she was suggested to urinate before undergoing per vaginal (PV) test at the maternity wing, the pregnant woman was proceeding towards the toilet block in the scanning wing when she delivered the baby in the corridor. Immediately, the woman was rushed to the maternity OT and further treatment was given. On examination, paediatricians found that it was a case of macerated IUD and this was conveyed to the woman’s family,” the release said.

District Surgeon P.R. Havanoor also said that it is a case of precipitated labour and that an independent inquiry has been initiated into the case. Based on the inquiry report, further action will be taken, he said.

Following the hosptial incident, the State Human Rights Commission registered a suo motu case.