The incident of a three-day-old baby going missing from North Bengal Medical College & Hospital on Thursday has brought into glare the pathetic state of surveillance at the health establishment.
Located at Sushrutanagar on the outskirts of Siliguri, NBMCH is the largest state-run referral hospital in north Bengal.
Yesterday, as the newborn went missing – it is suspected that an unidentified woman has taken away the baby boy – authorities have found that only 46 of 160 CCTV cameras are operational at the institution.
“In these days, CCTV cameras are one of the basic modes of surveillance. It is unfortunate that in an establishment like NBMCH where thousands of people visit every day, only one-fourth of the cameras are functional. The authorities should immediately take necessary steps,” said a senior faculty member of the medical college.
On Wednesday, Ranjita Singh, a lactating motherfrom Kharibari block of Darjeeling district, was admitted to gynecology and obstetrics ward in NBMCH. She had delivered a baby at the local rural hospital and was suffering from postpartum haemorrhage. The newborn was also with her.
During preliminary investigation, NBMCH authorities found that at the time ofthe incident, the on-duty obstetrician was having lunchin the ward.
“The newborn was screaming and at that time, a woman came near the mother and helped her by taking care of the baby. The obstetrician finished lunch and went to the washroom. As she returned, she couldn’t find the woman and the baby,” said a source.
As the news spread, police also initiated a probe and asked for CCTV footage. At that time, it was revealed that most CCTV cameras are not working in NBMCH.
In due course, some footage was found where it was seen that a woman cradled a baby and walked out of the hospital.
Nityananda, the newborn’s father, also slammed the authorities. “CCTV cameras were not working and even the private security guards posted at the ward didn’t stop the woman.”
The authorities, sources said, have made certain moves after noticing the lapses in surveillance and security.
“The CCTV cameras are
monitored by a private agency. After the incident, the superintendent served a showcause on the agency and initiatives would be taken to ensure that maximum number of cameras remain functional across the campus. Also, the number of guards has been increased in the ward and in some other wards to keep a tab on the entry and exit of people,” said a source.
Altogether, 103 private security guards remain posted in NBMCH at any time of the day.
“The authorities have also filed a complaint with the police. A five-member inquiry committee headed by the head of gynaecology and obstetrics department has been formed to probe the case,” the source added.
On Friday, a group of BJP supporters, under the banner of the party’s youth wing, demonstrated in NBMCH and submitted a memorandum to the authorities.
