A seven-month-old baby girl named Nidhi, abandoned by her Jharkhand native parents at a private hospital in Kochi, is set to be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Born prematurely on January 29, weighing less than 1 kg, Nidhi required specialized care and was shifted to a private hospital’s NICU.
After her parents disappeared, she was moved to General Hospital for further treatment. Health Minister Veena George named the baby ‘Nidhi’ and ensured her expenses were covered by the Bal Nidhi fund. Now, at 37 weeks old and weighing 2.5 kg, Nidhi is in a stable condition and will be cared for by the CWC.
The Baby’s Journey to Recovery
Nidhi’s journey has been marked by resilience and care. Born with a 28-week-old growth, she was initially shifted to a private hospital’s NICU for specialized care. After her parents went missing, she was moved to General Hospital for expert care.
A medical board coordinated her treatment, providing oxygen support for about a week and two blood transfusions due to anaemia. Breast milk from the hospital’s milk bank was also provided. Now, Nidhi only requires multi-vitamins and iron drops.
A General Hospital official noted, “She is in a condition to drink milk like normal babies and will be handed over to the child welfare committee”. The team of doctors, led by Dr Vineetha and Dr Viji, played a crucial role in her recovery. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in stabilizing Nidhi’s health.
Background and Government Intervention
The baby’s parents, Mangaleswar and Ranjitha from Jharkhand, were working at a fish farm in Kottayam. While traveling home for delivery, Ranjitha developed health issues on a train and was admitted to Ernakulam General Hospital, where Nidhi was born.
After weighing less than 1 kg, Nidhi was moved to a private NICU for advanced care. When the parents went missing, Health Minister Veena George directed the General Hospital authorities to take over Nidhi’s care.
The state government covered her expenses using the Bal Nidhi fund, ensuring she received necessary medical attention. This intervention not only saved Nidhi’s life but also set a precedent for how governments can support vulnerable children.
The Role of the Child Welfare Committee
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) will now oversee Nidhi’s care, ensuring her safety and well-being. The CWC plays a vital role in managing cases of abandoned children, providing them with necessary support and resources.
This includes facilitating adoption processes or placing them in foster care, depending on the child’s needs and circumstances. The CWC works closely with various stakeholders, including social workers and foster families, to ensure that children like Nidhi receive a nurturing environment.
Their efforts are crucial in helping abandoned children integrate into society and lead fulfilling lives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This story highlights the importance of government intervention in protecting vulnerable children. The Kerala government’s actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the well-being of abandoned children, reflecting a broader societal responsibility.
As Nidhi begins her new journey under the CWC’s care, it prompts us to reflect on how we can collectively support such children. What role can communities play in fostering a supportive environment for abandoned children, and how can we encourage more people to come forward and provide care?
By engaging in constructive dialogue and promoting empathy, we can work towards creating a society where every child feels valued and supported.
