Kottayam: In a shocking incident at Haripad taluk hospital in Alappuzha, a 19-year-old unmarried woman, who came in complaining of stomach pain, gave birth in the restroom during the early hours of Tuesday and threw the newborn out through the ventilation. The baby girl was rescued within moments by alert hospital staff.
Sequence of Events
The incident occurred around 12:30 am. The woman was brought to the hospital by her father and siblings at approximately 9:30 pm on Monday. Her family, seemingly unaware of her pregnancy, informed doctors that she was experiencing stomach pain and menstrual discomfort. Consequently, she was kept under observation.
Shortly after midnight, she slipped into the restroom and did not return for an extended period. Suspicious nurses and doctors went to check and discovered blood inside. At that moment, the cry of a newborn was heard from behind the hospital building.
Rescue Operation
The baby, who had been thrown out through the ventilation, fell among large stones and iron rods but miraculously survived without injury. Attender Anil, who heard the cry from the hospital premises, rushed out with towels and carried the blood-soaked infant to the emergency department. The prompt response was critical as the hospital compound is heavily troubled by stray dogs, and any delay could have been fatal.
The rescue was coordinated by the on-duty doctor, nursing officer, and emergency department staff. Hospital authorities informed the Haripad police and the child welfare committee.
Medical and Legal Response
The mother and baby were subsequently transferred to the Medical College Hospital at Vandanam, where the newborn is being treated in the neonatal emergency unit. The baby girl, weighing 3.2 kg, is reported to be healthy. Police have registered a case against the woman and launched an investigation.
