Jagatsinghpur: A 10-month-old baby boy died after allegedly choking on a plastic bottle cap at Kujanga Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jagatsinghpur district on Thursday night, triggering allegations of medical negligence.
The deceased has been identified as Sai Das, son of Sanjay Das and Mitali Das of the Sarala Road area under Tirtol police station limits. The infant had reportedly been visiting his maternal home in Guamunda village under Kujanga police station jurisdiction when the incident occurred.
According to family members, the child accidentally swallowed a plastic cap from a soft drink bottle at home. He was immediately rushed to Balitutha Medical Centre for treatment. However, as the object could not be removed there, he was referred to Kujanga CHC.
At Kujanga CHC, doctors attempted to revive the child, including performing chest compressions, but were unsuccessful. Family members alleged that despite their repeated requests, the attending doctor did not refer the child to Kataka for advanced treatment and instead declared him dead.
Tension escalated further after the child’s death when the mother reportedly removed the plastic cap from the infant’s mouth, sparking outrage among relatives who accused hospital staff of negligence.
Upon being informed, police reached the hospital and brought the situation under control. Hospital authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations.
