A newborn baby who was airlifted from Khotang to Kathmandu for emergency treatment has tragically passed away during treatment at Kanti Children’s Hospital in Maharajgunj.
The baby was born through a C-section at the District Hospital in Khotang on Monday. Soon after birth, the infant showed signs of severe breathing complications. Due to the critical condition, the baby and mother were flown to Kathmandu under the Presidential Maternity Air Rescue Program using a Nepal Army helicopter.
The child was the second baby of Januka Khatri and Sarvokumar Khatri from Vijaykharka, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi-15. Despite being rushed to Kathmandu, doctors were unable to save the child. Family members have confirmed the infant’s death, while the mother’s condition is stable.
Hospital chief Dr. Rupesh Sangroula stated that since the mother hadn’t experienced labor pains even a week past her due date, a C-section was performed. Attempts were made to induce labor through medication three times, but they were unsuccessful, leading to the surgery.
After the baby’s death, the family has raised concerns over possible negligence by health workers during delivery and treatment.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the severe lack of skilled medical staff and essential equipment at the District Hospital, which was recently upgraded from 15 to 50 beds. Due to poor infrastructure, patients often need to be flown elsewhere for treatment.
The hospital, which was established in 1992 (B.S. 2049), still lacks a fully functional new building. The construction of the upgraded facility has stalled, sparking criticism since Koshi Province Health and Infrastructure Minister Bhupendra Rai announced the upgrade on Asar 22.
