The parents of a 14-month-old girl disappeared from the infectious diseases hospital in Beleghata with the baby on Thursday afternoon after doctors advised that the mother and daughter be admitted to the isolation ward for observation.

The couple took the girl, who had fever, to the coronavirus clinic of the hospital around 2pm. They had been advised by a neighbourhood doctor to take their daughter to the hospital, the mother told doctors.

“The mother said the girl had fever and mild cough. She even agreed to admit the child and signed the required papers for admission after doctors recommended isolation,” a hospital official said.

After stepping out of the clinic, the girl’s parents left saying they would be back in a few minutes.

When they did not return after 10 minutes, the hospital’s nursing staff started looking for them but in vain. The hospital authorities then alerted police.

A team of police officers collected the address and phone number the couple had provided to the hospital.

“A team was posted outside the house. As soon as the couple turned up, they were gently asked to report to the hospital,” said a police officer.

The health department has taken note of the incident and the parents are likely to be questioned about their whereabouts over the last few days with the child if she tests positive, hospital sources said.