A newborn baby died at the Government Sub-District Hospital in Rishikesh after his mother allegedly abandoned him in the hospital two days after delivery. Police are now searching for the woman.
According to the hospital administration, the woman reached the hospital on September 1 while suffering from labour pain. She was accompanied by a man, and both claimed to be a married couple. Before admitting her, hospital staff asked them to provide identity documents. They said they were from Bihar but did not have the required documents with them at the time.
Considering the woman’s condition, hospital staff admitted her and conducted the delivery safely. However, the newborn was in poor health from birth and was suffering from breathing difficulties. The couple was informed about the baby’s condition, according to the health department.
On September 3, two days after the delivery, the woman allegedly left the newborn in the ward and disappeared when she found an opportunity to leave the hospital.
Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Anand Singh Rana said the police were informed about the woman’s disappearance on the same day. Since the baby’s condition remained critical, doctors continued treatment at the government hospital.
Despite medical treatment, the newborn died at the hospital on September 5. The hospital administration subsequently informed the Kotwali police about the death.
Rishikesh Kotwali Inspector Yashpal Bisht said police are trying to trace the woman. Investigators are also expected to establish the identity and whereabouts of the woman and the man who had accompanied her to the hospital.
The incident has raised concerns over the circumstances in which the newborn was left without a caregiver, particularly after hospital records indicated that the baby required continued medical attention.
