Newborn dies at Punalur taluk hospital; family alleges medical negligence and bribery

Tensions flared at the Punalur Taluk Hospital following the death of a newborn during delivery early on Wednesday. The deceased child belonged to Anoop and Sruthi, residents of Punalur. While the family has levelled serious allegations of medical negligence and corruption against the hospital staff, authorities have categorically denied any lapses on their part.

Sruthi was admitted for delivery on Monday and according to her family, she had no underlying health complications at the time of admission. However, at around 5:30 a.m on Wednesday, her condition deteriorated, requiring an immediate emergency C-section. Following the surgery, the family was informed that the baby had died. Highlighting severe lapses, the relatives alleged that they were not informed prior to performing the emergency C-section and further claimed that the attending doctor had previously accepted a bribe.