Three VIMSAR staff transferred in baby swap case

Sambalpur: Three staffs, including two nurses working at the sick newborn care unit (SNCU), of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) at Burla were transferred in connection with the case of baby swap in the hospital last month that was confirmed by a DNA test.

An internal probe committee, which is investigating into the matter, will submit its report soon. Further action will be taken after the final report is produced, VIMSAR director Sunamali Bag said.

Gagan Patra and his wife Rina, who hail from Nakati Deula area, had admitted their baby to the premier health institute for treatment. Another couple, Sanjukta and Sudam Bhoi of Bhaunripathar in Boudh district, had admitted their infant to the SNCU. The two babies were allotted beds next to each other. The Bhoi couple's child died during treatment. Subsequently, the Patra couple alleged that their child had been swapped with the dead baby of the Bhoi couple.

Refusing to accept the dead infant, Gagan filed a complaint at the Burla Police outpost alleging that his baby had been swapped. He also demanded a DNA test. The blood samples of both the women and their babies were sent to State Forensic Lab in Bhubaneswar on May 25.

Hospital authorities handed over the girl child to its biological parents on June 9 after DNA test report confirmed that the child belonged to the Patra couple.