Newborn declared dead by doctor turns up alive, DMCH opens probe

Dhaka Medical College Hospital or DMCH has opened an investigation into a shocking incident in which a newborn baby declared dead by its doctor was found alive.

The baby girl was admitted to Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital on Monday after she started moving during a bath before burial at the Azimpur Graveyard.

Shishu Hospital Deputy Director Abu Tayab told bdnews24.com the baby was not out of danger just yet.

He said they arranged artificial respiration for the baby. “She is not in a good condition. The doctors are trying to get her cured,” he added.

According to him, the mother was suffering from anaemia and gave birth to the baby seven months into pregnancy.

“We think the baby’s heart was not working in the morning. Her heart started working a bit again when she was taken to the graveyard,” Tayab said.

The mother, Sharmin Akter from Savar, was still undergoing treatment at the DMCH.

Sub-Inspector Md Bachchu Mia at the DMCH police camp said Sharmin was hospitalised on Saturday morning.

He said the duty doctor declared that baby was stillborn when she gave birth on Monday morning.

The baby was taken to Azimpur Graveyard for burial, but Dhaka South City Corporation worker Jesmine Begum discovered that the baby was moving when she was giving it a bath.

“I informed her guardians immediately. The family left swiftly with the baby for Shishu Hospital,” Jesmine told bdnews24.com.

DMCH has formed a four-strong committee headed by Assistant Director Bidyut Kanti Paul to investigate the incident.

Director Brig Gen AKM Nasir Uddin said Sharmin gave birth to a stillborn baby.

“The mother is yet to recover. She is still here. We are investigating whether this is the same baby. We will run DNA tests if necessary,” he added.