A couple whose child was born with Down's syndrome and congenital heart disease has filed a medical negligence complaint against Narayana Health, Whitefield unit, at Kadugodi police station.

Mahesh K K and Swetha R S have alleged that the specialists, including gynecologists and radiologists, who had conducted several tests during anti-natal checks, failed to detect the problem in the foetus. The mother had also undergone triple marker test that detects Down's syndrome. On November 22, Swetha delivered a baby girl and named her Tanmay M.

"From day one of my pregnancy, I was under medical supervision at NH Hospital and underwent all relevant tests and diagnosis. As per doctor's diagnosis and medical test reports, we had received a communication from the doctors that everything was normal and the baby was healthy," Swtha R S said in her police compliant.

"Why were these tests conducted if they failed to detect the anomaly? My wife also underwent triple marker test, which is done to diagnose Down's syndrome, and the report was normal. Foetal anomaly tests were also conducted," said Mahesh.

However, a hospital spokesperson said Swetha underwent ultrasound examination during the third month of pregnancy and also a triple marker test, but no anomalies showed up.

"Foetal anomaly scan was conducted in the fifth month of pregnancy, which again did not show any anomaly. All these tests were carried out through an National Accreditation Board for Hospitals-accredited lab. The pregnancy was followed up to term without any maternal or foetal complications. Regrettably, the baby is now suspected to have Down's syndrome with associated cardiac anomalies. It is noted that not all anomalies, including those related to the heart, can always be accurately detected through ultrasound studies and other regular tests," said the hospital spokesperson in an email interaction with TOI.

Kadugodi police said they have received the complaint from the couple. "We are seeking legal opinion before filing an FIR. We want to know if such cases should be referred to the government's grievance redressall cell after amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act," said police.

Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baby-gets-downs-syndrome-parents-allege-negligence/articleshow/61873034.cms