Delhi Mayor Calls Probe Into Infant Death Amid Power Outage

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has ordered an investigation into an infant's death at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, allegedly due to a power backup failure during a planned shutdown on August 22. The MCD claims essential services were unaffected and the backup system operational.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has directed the MCD Commissioner to investigate the tragic death of an infant at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital. The incident, reportedly caused by a lack of power backup during a planned shutdown on August 22, has sparked concern.

Mayor Oberoi responded to a media report suggesting the infant's death was due to power backup failure, directing a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause and take necessary actions. 'One media report indicates that an infant has unfortunately died due to non-availability of power backup during a planned shutdown at the Kasturba Gandhi Hospital on August 22. You are requested to immediately set up an inquiry to get to the root of the matter and identify the cause of this most unfortunate incident so that we can initiate action accordingly,' the Mayor stated.

The MCD earlier disputed claims that the power shutdown affected medical procedures, asserting in an August 22 statement that essential services continued unimpacted. 'The hospital conducted three deliveries today, with two during daylight and the third in the evening after power was restored. All procedures were under standard conditions,' the statement noted. It added that the child, on a ventilator in the NICU for five days, experienced breathing difficulties post-delivery. The MCD emphasized that the backup system was operating correctly and that the parents were fully informed about their child's health condition.

(With inputs from agencies.)