Sambalpur: A newborn reportedly fell into a bucket at the time of birth at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Vimsar), Burla, prompting allegations of medical negligence. Its twin was stillborn, the family said.The incident allegedly occurred in the obstetrics and gynaecology department, where senior doctors and postgraduate trainees were on duty. The family claimed timely assistance was not provided during labour.According to the family, the woman, who was carrying twins, went into labour unexpectedly. One baby was allegedly delivered without medical assistance and fell into a bucket placed beneath the delivery bed. The newborn was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The second twin was delivered through surgery and was declared dead, they said.The woman’s husband and relatives accused the hospital of gross negligence and demanded accountability.VIMSAR director Dr Lalmohan Nayak said an inquiry committee had been formed. He said the woman was in her sixth pregnancy and had a previous normal delivery followed by four induced abortions, which could have led to cervical incompetence and increased the risk of preterm labour.Dr Nayak said the woman experienced precipitate labour, a rare condition in which delivery can occur in less than an hour. He said seven senior doctors were on duty at the time, and as the incident occurred in the early hours, some may have been resting. He added the inquiry would establish the sequence of events and determine lapses, if any.
