The child, born with severe congenital defects two months ago in Alappuzha, was admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha, on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) morning after his health deteriorated.

Anish Muhammed, the infant’s father, said the child was on ventilator support. “The child showed signs of fatigue on Tuesday evening, followed by respiratory difficulties. Doctors have indicated that the next 72 hours are critical,” Mr. Muhammed said.

Surumy, the wife of Mr. Muhammed from Lajnathul Ward in Alappuzha municipality, gave birth to the child on November 8, 2024. According to the couple, the baby was born with serious birth anomalies, including facial deformities, misaligned ears and eyes, atypical genitalia, a hole in the lungs, tongue retraction when lying on the back, and limb defects.

The parents alleged lapses on the part of doctors at the Women and Children’s (W and C) Hospital, Alappuzha and two private diagnostics centres for failing to identify the abnormalities before birth, despite multiple scans during the pregnancy period.

Case against 4 doctors

Following a complaint filed by Mr. Muhammed, the Alappuzha South police registered a case against four doctors – two gynaecologists at W and C Hospital and two doctors at the scanning centres – in November. The case was registered under Sections 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 125 (b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

On November 30, the Health department sealed the two diagnostic centres, citing their failure to identify foetal abnormalities, despite the woman undergoing multiple scans. A report submitted to the government by an expert team led by Health Department Additional Director V. Meenakshi reportedly absolved the doctors at W and C Hospital of significant lapses.

Mr. Muhammed said the child had yet to receive specialised treatment despite the government’s promise of free medical care and full support.

The gender of the baby was confirmed as male after conducting a gender determination test several days after the birth.