Bhatkal: The death of a three-day-old baby girl at the Shirali Community Health Centre in Bhatkal taluk has triggered allegations of medical negligence by her parents and led to a brief spell of tension at the facility, where family members and relatives sought an explanation from the medical staff.

Bhatkal Rural Police rushed to the health centre following the incident and began gathering information about the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death.

According to the baby’s mother, Hema, she had delivered the child normally three days earlier, and the medical test reports relating to the newborn’s health were reportedly normal. She said the baby’s condition suddenly deteriorated on Wednesday morning, following which doctors and nurses shifted her to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for treatment.

However, the family was informed about half an hour later that the baby had died. Hema said this was her second delivery and that she also has a two-year-old daughter.

The baby’s father, Satish Naik, alleged negligence on the part of the doctors and nurses and demanded a thorough investigation and legal action against those found responsible.

Hospital sources, however, said the baby had been fed by her mother in the morning and that the milk had apparently become lodged in her throat. Her condition reportedly deteriorated at around 11.30 am, following which the medical staff shifted her to the NICU and attempted to save her. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.

Police questioned the baby’s parents and relatives and gathered information from the doctors at the health centre. Police said necessary legal action would be taken upon receiving a written complaint.

Bhatkal Rural Police Inspector Venkatesh Murunal, PSI Mallikarjun Kurani and other police personnel were present at the health centre.