Newborn declared dead found alive, Bheri Hospital apologizes
The hospital administration acknowledged its shortcomings in handling the sensitive case and expressed deep regret to the family.
KATHMANDU: Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, Banke, has publicly apologized after a newborn, initially declared dead by doctors, was later found alive.
The hospital administration acknowledged its shortcomings in handling the sensitive case and expressed deep regret to the family.
Dr. Nirajan Subedi, Chief Medical Superintendent of the hospital, issued a statement conveying sorrow on behalf of the hospital staff and extended sympathies to the bereaved family.
The statement admitted lapses in communication and counseling by doctors and health workers. “We acknowledge shortcomings in effectively informing and counseling the patient’s relatives about potential outcomes. The hospital administration is committed to improving these processes,” the statement read.
According to the hospital, a pregnant woman was admitted to the labor ward on Mangsir 25 due to labor pains. She delivered on Mangsir 28.
The newborn weighed only 617 grams and was in a critically fragile condition. Observing no signs of life—no heartbeat or breathing—the doctors declared the baby dead and handed the body to the family.
However, while transporting the infant home, the family noticed signs of life about four hours later.
The baby was immediately brought back to the hospital and treatment was resumed.
Despite all efforts, the newborn passed away on Mangsir 29.
Medical Explanation: ‘Lazarus Phenomenon’
Hospital officials described the case as a rare medical exception. Babies born at 23 weeks of gestation weighing less than a kilogram have extremely low chances of survival.
Doctors explained that in such cases, “suspended animation” or the Lazarus phenomenon can occur, in which signs of life temporarily appear in a body previously considered dead.
While the hospital asserts that it made maximum efforts to save the newborn, it admitted that communication with the family regarding treatment and potential outcomes was insufficient.
The administration has pledged to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
