Capital Hospital authorities refute child swap allegations

The Capital Hospital authorities on Wednesday refuted the child swap allegations brought by a man from Rajkanika area. Director of the hospital, Laxmidhar Sahu today reiterated that there was no child swap rather such allegations were levelled due to some ‘miscommunication.’ The concerned attendant has been transferred and removed from work temporarily.

“We had set up a committee and investigated the matter. The statements of all staff were recorded. Two childbirths were reported during the same day in a gap of 20 minutes. The pieces of evidence were shown to the complainant but he insisted on a DNA test. We have reported the matter to the police station for necessary action,” said Sahu.

As it is a legal procedure, police will take necessary steps including a DNA test, if needed, Sahu added.

“All the procedures, including tagging and signature of doctors were done. The mother of the child was informed that she had delivered a baby girl. But the attendant communicated it wrong. It was a pure communication gap. For impartial probe, the female attendant has been removed from the department,” Sahu added.

Earlier the complainant, Pranakrushna Parija alleged that his wife delivered a child at the hospital. His family was informed about the delivery of a male child. However, they found that it was a girl child when they tried to take a picture of the infant, alleged Parija. Parija’s family is now demanding a DNA test to ascertain the truth. Moreover, he has refused to take the child till the time the report is not received.

“The hospital authorities have suspended an attendant. I am demanding a DNA test and based on the report, I will accept the child,” said Parija.