Alleged medical negligence leaves infant disabled

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging medical negligence that reportedly resulted in the amputation of the left arm of a premature infant who was treated at a government hospital in Khammam district.

Acting on a newspaper report published on May 31, TGHRC Member (Judicial) Shivadi Praveena registered a case and sought a detailed report from the Khammam District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO). The Commission observed that if the allegations are found to be true, the incident would raise serious concerns regarding the newborn's right to life, health, dignity and access to proper medical care. The matter has been posted for hearing on June 29, 2026.

According to the allegations, Renuka, wife of Talapati Suryakant from Punyapuram village in Wyra mandal, delivered premature twins at seven months of pregnancy. One of the infants reportedly developed health complications and was admitted to the Government Mother and Child Welfare Hospital in Khammam on March 4.

Family members alleged that doctors administered blood to the infant after identifying low blood levels. During the procedure, swelling reportedly developed at the site where a cannula had been inserted. Despite repeated complaints by the family, doctors allegedly assured them that the swelling was not a major concern. As the condition worsened and the infant's arm began turning black, the parents again approached hospital authorities. They were allegedly advised to obtain a scan from a private diagnostic centre. The scan reportedly revealed extensive tissue damage in the arm.

The child was subsequently referred to Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad on March 26. Doctors there reportedly informed the family that the arm had suffered irreversible damage and required amputation. Left with no alternative, the parents consented to the procedure.