Hajipur: Allegations of newborn baby swap at Vaishali Sadar Hospital have triggered a police probe and DNA testing after a woman claimed she was told she had delivered a baby boy, but was later handed a girl child. The incident, which occurred on February 5, has left the family in shock and raised serious questions over hospital procedures and accountability.
The woman, identified as Gunjan, was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Vaishali district on February 4. She underwent a caesarean section the next morning around 10 am. Speaking from her hospital bed, she alleged that doctors congratulated her on the birth of a son while she was still in the operation theatre.
“I was conscious during the surgery but my eyes were covered. After about half an hour, the doctor told me, ‘Congratulations, you have a son. Don’t worry, you are fine,’” she said. Gunjan, who already has a daughter, said she and her family had hoped for a boy this time.
According to her statement, the doctor then asked whether she wanted to undergo sterilisation. “I agreed because I was told I had a son. I asked them to confirm with my family first. They spoke to my relatives outside and then performed the sterilisation,” she alleged.
Gunjan said she was kept in the operation theatre for some time before being shifted to the ward. “I was happy. Everyone was taking photos. My brother removed the cloth covering the baby, and that’s when we realised the child was a girl. If I had delivered a girl, why was I told it was a boy?” she asked.
The family has alleged that the baby was swapped within an hour of birth. Gunjan claimed she had held the newborn for nearly an hour before discovering the discrepancy. “I trusted the doctors. They saw the baby first. I was never shown the child in the OT,” she said.
The incident reportedly came to light during vaccination preparations. Gunjan’s sister, Sanju, said she had been waiting outside the operation theatre when a doctor and nurse informed the family that a boy had been born. “We were overjoyed. My sister already has a daughter. This news made the entire family happy,” she said.
Sanju further alleged that a hospital staff member demanded Rs 1,000 before handing over the baby. “After delivery, a staffer asked for Rs 1,000 to give us the child. Later, other staff members, including guards and cleaners, also demanded money. Some took Rs 500, others Rs 200 or Rs 300. About an hour later, we were given the baby,” she claimed.
She said the child was wrapped in cloth and remained with the family for some time before they realised it was a girl. “We were shocked. My sister fainted repeatedly. We searched for the doctors and nurses, but they were not available. The staff who had taken money also disappeared,” Sanju alleged. The family subsequently lodged an FIR with the local police.
Gunjan’s brother, Sanjay, said that after the complaint, hospital authorities and investigating officers met the family. DNA samples of Gunjan and four newborns delivered around the same time have been collected for forensic examination.
Gunjan said the sterilisation has left her devastated. “I have already undergone sterilisation. I cannot become a mother again. I want my son back. Responsibility must be fixed if there has been negligence,” she said. However, she added that the girl child currently with her is innocent. “The baby has no fault. We are caring for her with love,” she said.
Civil Surgeon Shyam Nandan Prasad said that the allegations are yet to be proven. “There is no CCTV camera inside the operation theatre. Four women delivered babies around the same time—two boys and two girls. DNA samples of all four newborns and the complainant have been sent for testing. No doctor or nurse has been declared guilty so far. They have been kept away from the investigation process,” he said.
Hajipur Sadar SDPO Subodh Kumar confirmed that an FIR was registered based on the statements of the woman’s father and brother. “Action is being taken under court directions. DNA samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory. Only after the FSL report arrives will it be clear whether any newborn swap occurred,” he said.
The case has sparked concern over patient safety, hospital management and transparency in government health facilities. Authorities said further action will depend on the outcome of the DNA test.
