Newborn dies at Civil Hospital; inquiry ordered against gynecologist
Ravinder Dhillon
Khanna (Punjab), July 22, 2025: In a shocking incident at Khanna Civil Hospital, the death of a newborn baby due to alleged negligence by a gynaecologist has prompted a high-level investigation by the Punjab Health Department.
The incident occurred when a pregnant woman was reportedly denied timely medical attention by Dr. Kavita Sharma, the gynaecologist on duty.
Despite being assigned to the station, Dr. Sharma allegedly left the hospital without notice and failed to respond to repeated calls from the hospital staff, instead instructing them to refer the patient elsewhere.As the situation turned critical, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr. Maninder Bhasin stepped in.
He said the woman’s family had refused referral and insisted on having the delivery at Khanna Civil Hospital. Dr. Bhasin rushed to the hospital around 10 PM, quickly assembled a team, and performed an emergency operation.
The condition of the mother was extremely serious, as the baby had passed meconium in utero, a sign of fetal distress.
While doctors made every effort to save both mother and child, the newborn was revived with great difficulty and referred to Patiala, and later to Chandigarh for advanced care. Unfortunately, the baby passed away en route to Chandigarh.
Dr. Bhasin stated that his team did everything medically possible and has since submitted a detailed report to the Civil Surgeon, recommending disciplinary action against Dr. Kavita Sharma. The Civil Surgeon has initiated an official inquiry and sought an explanation from Dr. Sharma regarding her conduct.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and stronger oversight in government hospitals to prevent such tragedies in the future.