Probe Into The Death Of 111 Infants At An Adani-Run Hospital Gives Clean Chit To Hospital

In the time-period Jan 1, 2018, to May 20, 2018, a total of 111 infants lost their lives at the Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences (earlier known as GK General Hospital) in Bhuj, Gujarat. A three-member committee probing the deaths has reportedly given a clean chit to the hospital.

On May 25, the Gujarat government had ordered an inquiry into these deaths. The expert committee visited the hospital on Saturday to investigate into the matter and submitted its report to the government on Tuesday.

Infant Deaths

According to the data released by the hospital, 777 newborns (which includes those born in the hospital as well as admitted after birth) were admitted to the hospital between January 1 and May 20. Among the 777, 111 infants died, making the mortality rate 14%. In 2017, the percentage of infant deaths against admission was 21%, while in 2016, it was 18%.

Between 2015-2017, 606 infants had died at the Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences (GAIMS). The INC termed this incident in Gujarat as, “a gory repeat of Gorakhpur,” where infants died in large numbers at a state-run hospital.

GAIMS is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) venture between Adani Education and Research Foundation and the Gujarat government.

Management’s Response

The hospital management has been sharing data regarding infant mortality with the Gujarat Health Department says Dr Gyaneshwar Rao, MD of GK General, who further stated that “The (hospital) authorities are cooperating with a three-member government-appointment Committee and are looking into the matter” reports Economic Times.

GS Rao, Superintendent of the institution, refuted the speculations about the infant death and clarified that” One of the reasons for death is premature births. Another (reason) is malnutrition as mothers may not have taken proper diet which helps the baby gain weight inside the womb. Delayed reference is also one of the reasons” reports First Post.

Meanwhile, health experts suggest that the Newborn mortality rate for hospitals varies depending on the size of the admission of complicated patients. The mortality rate is on the higher side if the hospital is receiving complicated referral cases.

Committee Report

The committee in its report submitted to the government found no paucity of treatment and facilities to the patients. According to the State Commissioner of Health Dr. Jayanti Ravi, “The committee has found that there was adequate infrastructure, equipment as well as medicines available in the hospital. Some of the key causes for the deaths were acute malnutrition and delay in referring the out-born infants at this hospital” reports the New Indian Express.

The Committee has also suggested giving training to nursing and paramedical staffs. The Hospital management has adhered to the Committee recommendation and issued a statement which reads “The probe committee has given a clean chit to the hospital. After the inquiry, the committee has come to a conclusion that all the patients have been given treatment as per set protocols and guidelines. The hospital will provide training to the nursing and labour staff of NICU as suggested by the committee.”