Case against doctor, hospital staff after baby suffers burns

A case of negligence has been registered against a gynaecologist and the staff of a hospital here after a newborn baby sustained 80 per cent burn injuries due to overheating 'warmer' machine.
The condition of the baby girl was critical, police said.
Complainant Vijendra Kadam's wife was admitted to Vatsalya Hospital here two days ago. She delivered a baby girl yesterday morning through the cesarean procedure.
As the infant was having difficulty in breathing, she was kept in a 'warmer' with an oxygen mask, police said.
Later, when some family members were coming out of the room where the baby was kept, they heard an explosion-like sound and saw smoke coming out of the warmer.

"They raised alarm, and hospital staff rushed and removed the baby from the warmer," said an officer from Vishrambaug police station. The baby, however, had already suffered burns.

Initial investigation revealed that the warmer had overheated because of a short-circuit.
"The baby has been shifted to another hospital, where she is being treated at an Intensive Care Unit and her condition is critical," said the officer.
A case under IPC sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) has been registered against gynaecologist Dr Gaurav Chopade and staff of the hospital, he said. Nobody has been arrested.