SCPCR takes note of children’s rehabilitation, oxygen disruption and baby swap allegation

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has recently taken cognisance of two serious matters concerning child safety – rehabilitation of three children left helpless after the Dalanwala murder case and disruption of oxygen supply in the ICU of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Hospital along with allegations of baby swapping.

According to officials, a case came to the notice of the commission in which the mother has died and the father is in jail, leaving three children helpless and deprived of parental protection.  The commission has sent a letter to the District Child Welfare Committee and the district probation officer, directing them to ensure immediate safety and protection of the children.

The commission has directed officials to properly assess the condition of the three children and make appropriate arrangements for their rehabilitation, keeping in mind their best interests, education, health, safety and emotional needs. Further, if a capable and suitable relative or guardian is available in the family, the possibility of family rehabilitation should be considered after verification as per rules. Instructions have also been given to link the children with government schemes and social security benefits as per their eligibility, officials said.

In the second case, the officials informed that the commission has taken cognisance of another serious matter involving children admitted to the ICU of GDMC hospital. According to information received, a sudden power outage affected the oxygen supply in the ICU, leading to a shortage of oxygen. In the emergency, doctors saved the children’s lives by administering artificial oxygen through an Ambu Bag.  The officials said that the commission has also sought a report of a completely impartial investigation into the allegation of baby swapping. The commission has sent a letter to the principal of the GDMC Hospital, summoning him and seeking a detailed factual report and explanation of the incident. The officials said that the commission said recurrence of such an incident could pose a serious threat to the lives of children. Therefore, the GDMC Hospital administration has been directed to ensure adequate and effective backup arrangements to deal with such situations in future.