‘Don’t want Rs 50 lakh, tell us how our baby died’: Couple rejects compensation from Wadia Hospital

Archana and baby Shivansh; he died on April 10 at Bai Jerabai Wadia Hospital. Pics/Special Arrangements

Over two weeks after mid-day reported about the plight of a couple fighting to know the cause of their son's unexplained death at Bai Jerabai Wadia Hospital in March, they have now alleged that the hospital authorities offered them compensation of Rs 50 lakh.

"We have been running from one office to another for months, seeking medical records, post-mortem details, and an independent inquiry into the case. The delay in establishing the cause of death has only deepened our trauma," said Archana Patil, the depressed mother. "During this process, we were called by the hospital authorities after a few political leaders questioned them.

When they offered the compensation, my husband just asked one question: ‘We will sell our agricultural land and give you Rs 1 crore. Will you be able to give back our son?'" said the mother Archana Patil.

The child had died allegedly under unclear circumstances on April 10, and despite repeated requests, the family claims they have not received a satisfactory explanation from the hospital authorities. "We are not fighting for compensation. We want to know what happened to our son and why he died," said the parents, adding that they rejected the offer.

The family has demanded stricter action against the institution, including cancellation of the hospital's medical licence. "This is not just about our child. We believe other families may also have suffered because of negligence or lack of transparency," alleged Patil. The hospital authorities did not respond to Sunday mid-day's queries till the time of going to press.