Wrong test result dubs expectant mom HB positive
Young mom endures 'keep away' tag
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2011:
Apart from mental and physical trauma normally associated with an expectant mother, a woman in her mid 30s was kept in isolation at RIMS Hospital as the consultant doctor, relying on the result of a blood test conducted at a private clinic, declared the woman in question as Hepatitis B positive.
Recounting the harrowing experiences endured by W Kanan Devi (35) to newspersons today, her husband Wahengbam Santikumar of Chingamakha Ningthoujam Leikai Liwa Lambi Chingamakha Ningthoujam of Leikai Liwa Lambi said after she was admitted to RIMS Hospital on March 11 evening one Dr Pameshwori enquired as to whether he was aware that Kanan was Hepatitis B positive.
When he replied in the negative, the lady doctor pointed to the blood test result of Raj Polyclinic and after delivery of a baby girl on March 12 morning the mother and her newborn were kept in isolation at the hospital cabin with the word inscribed 'universal precaution' pasted at the wall.
The doctor even advised attendants to wear glove and to use disposable plates/glasses while feeding the mother, Santikumar said adding that maternal relatives of Kanan preferred to keep a safe distance after hearing that she was infected with the disease.
Further confiding that determined to confirm the test report, similar tests were conducted at Babina Diagnostics and Christian Hospital, Imphal on March 14 and 15 respectively, Santikumar said aand added that results of both were described as 'negative' .
It is informed that the blood test at Raj polyclinic was undertaken on January 20, 2011 as referred by one Dr James Elangbam after the couple went to Shija Hospital on for pre-delivery counselling/checking.
Armed with the negative report of the two other tests, Santikumar reportedly approached the manager of Raj Polyclinic namely Dinesh, who insisted that the issue be discussed two days later.
At about 2 pm of March 17, Santikumar went to Raj Polyclinic but was denied consultation with Dinesh as one of the counter staff told him that the manager was having an important meeting.
Even though address and contact number of Santikumar was handed over to the counter staff Dinesh is yet to make a call, the husband maintained.
The wrong diagnosis had also kept the locals away from their tea stall.