IGMH denies allegations of attempting to forcefully administer antibiotic to a child

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has denied the allegations of attempting to forcefully administer antibiotics to a child, raised against the hospital.

In a press statement released by the government's main hospital, they said that the allegations of misconduct in treating a child who was born at the hospital, which are circulating on both social and some mainstream media, are inaccurate.

Adding that it is disheartening to see such false allegations, IGMH assured that the hospital abides by the standards of care outlined in medical practice and that although certain allegations have been made, the hospital would not be revealing details of treatment pertaining to a patient.

However, the hospital did reveal that information relating to the medication and care of the patient was communicated to the patient's family in detail.

The statement also highlighted that arrangements are made for caretakers or families of the patients to further clarify information should they feel that there is an issue with the care a patient is receiving. If the response is unsatisfactory, there are ways to further escalate the issue to higher authorities of the hospital as well, the statement read.

IGMH also condemned the social media posts published with a doctor's images alongside what the hospital claims are false allegations and said that such acts stand in the way of doctors carrying out their duties.

The social media post in question was made by an anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter), and claimed that the hospital administered antibiotics to a child who was born in the hospital despite blood tests showing no signs of infection.

The X user said that the hospital administered medications saying that the newborn's breath rate was high despite the mother's objections. The account also detailed that the doctor threatened to call the authorities and accused the mother of violating the child's rights, after which the baby was kept away from the mother.

The post went on to claim that the child was first placed in the NICU because the doctors deemed the child to be hypoglycaemic, which was then reported to have been improved after two hours. However, doctors then said the baby needs antibiotics, and then placed a cloth on the baby's mouth saying that the baby was crying after medication was administered, the post went on to allege.

It is uncertain what the condition of the child is now.