BMC Denies Negligence in Deaths of Three Babies at Ghatkopar Rajawadi Hospital
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a clarification regarding the deaths of three babies at its Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, stating that there was no lapse or negligence in medical treatment.
According to the civic administration, two of the cases involved intrauterine foetal deaths that occurred before the pregnant women arrived at the municipal hospital, while the third newborn died despite emergency intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The clarification followed concerns raised over maternal and neonatal care after the three infant deaths occurred on August 26.
Hospital records showed that a total of 13 deliveries took place in Unit 3 of the hospital on August 26, comprising eight Caesarean sections and five normal deliveries. The outcomes included two intrauterine foetal deaths and one neonatal death.
In the first case, 37-week pregnant Hira Bhandari, who was expecting her third child and had undergone two previous Caesarean deliveries, was admitted to the hospital. Doctors could not clearly detect a foetal heartbeat during her initial examination. A subsequent sonography confirmed intrauterine foetal death. The BMC noted that the absence of a foetal heartbeat upon admission does not establish that the death happened at the facility, adding that medical records showed no prima facie evidence of delay or negligence.
The second case involved Rehana Begum Khan, who was 33 weeks pregnant and suffered from diabetes and hypertension, categorising her condition as high-risk. Hospital officials stated that she had been advised to attend regular antenatal check-ups but had not reported for medical follow-up for approximately 15 days. A sonography report she carried upon arrival confirmed that the foetus had died.
The third case involved Nusrat Jahan Khan, who was 40 weeks and two days pregnant with her first child. Because her pregnancy had surpassed the expected delivery period and the foetal condition began deteriorating, medical staff performed an immediate Caesarean section. The newborn had a very low heart rate and was transferred to the NICU. Despite emergency care, the baby died approximately one-and-a-half to two hours later.
The civic administration maintained that available hospital records and documentation confirm doctors and medical staff made every possible effort, with no indication of delay or negligence in treatment across all three cases.
