Chennai: A week after a newborn suffered 27% burns in a fiery incubator mishap at a maternity hospital in Perambur, anguished parents accuse officials of stonewalling — Greater Chennai Corporation’s promised probe seems stalled with no report filed yet. An investigation into the incident was ordered on March 14, minutes after the tragedy occurred. However, city health official M Jagadeesan said he is still waiting for the final report. “Officials are inquiring with staff and inspecting the equipment. We expect the final report at the earliest,” he said. Meanwhile, the infant is under treatment at Institute of Child Health in Egmore and showing signs of improvement, doctors said. The baby boy was born on March 14 at 12.38pm at the maternity hospital in Perambur. He was placed in an incubator within a few minutes. At 12.45pm, a fire broke out and the infant suffered burn injuries. At 1.15pm, he was admitted to the Government Children’s Hospital in Egmore.The parents say the doctors at the hospital did not give a proper explanation for the fire accident. “They said it was due to a machine malfunction. It seems lack of maintenance led to this incident, and we are suffering. At the Egmore hospital, doctors are not talking to us about the treatment,” said D Anand Babu, the father. “Initially, doctors said the baby had second and third-degree burns. Later, they said it was only first-degree burns and that there were no major complications. When we asked about the risk of infections and our baby’s overall health, we didn’t receive a proper answer,” he said.Doctors told TOI that they are offering collagen treatment to the baby. The collagen-based dressing applied to the burnt area will promote faster healing, and create a moist, bacteria-resistant environment. This dressing will be removed in 14 days after which doctors will assess the need for plastic surgery and the condition of hair follicles and pigmentation, they said. “The baby’s condition is stable and improving. He is also on oral feeds,” a senior doctor said.
