Police raid Srushti IVF clinic after blunder
Hyderabad: A couple was blessed with a baby after they underwent treatment at a test tube clinic through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at Srushti Test Tube Baby Clinic located at Gopalapuram in Secunderabad.
Months after the birth, the baby began experiencing health issues and was later diagnosed with cancer. Suspecting something went wrong during the IVF procedure, the couple conducted a DNA test on the baby which revealed that the father was not biologically related to the baby.
The couple approached the Hyderabad police and lodged a complaint. The police registered a case and conducted raids on the Srushti Test Tube Baby Clinic on Saturday.
Though the police remained tight-lipped about the incident, it was revealed that the couple had been facing infertility issues and had approached the Srushti clinic for help. The doctors examined the couple and assured them of medical assistance. At the time of signing the undertaking, the couple clearly instructed the doctors to use the husband’s sperm for conception. The doctors agreed and carried out the procedure, resulting in the woman conceiving.
Sources said that the mother took all necessary precautions during her pregnancy and gave birth to a baby a few months ago. Subsequently, they sought further medical assistance from another hospital.
A few months later, the baby began showing signs of illness. Initially, the parents believed these complications were typical side effects of IVF. “Recently, the couple approached medical experts to find a solution to the baby’s health issues. Upon a thorough medical checkup, it was revealed that the baby is suffering from cancer,” sources said.
Shocked by the diagnosis, the parents visited the Srushti Test Tube Clinic to inquire into the matter. During their visit, they had an argument with the staff, who asked them to speak with the doctors. Unsatisfied with the clinic’s response, the couple proceeded with legal DNA tests.
“It was revealed in the DNA tests that the father is not biologically related to the baby. The couple approached the Gopalapuram police and lodged a complaint. Based on the complaint, police registered cases against the clinic and its doctor, Narmada,” a police source said.
Hours after the FIR was registered, north zone DCP S. Rashmi Perumal and revenue officials conducted raids on the clinic and seized case sheets, which contain records of patients treated over the past few years.
It was revealed that the doctors had used an unknown donor’s sperm without the woman’s consent, even though she had specifically asked for her husband’s sperm to be used. Due to this negligence, the woman conceived and gave birth to a baby who developed cancer, despite there being no family history of the illness.
The police collected the list of donors and women admitted to the clinic over the past few years. They have started questioning patients regarding possible medical negligence. The police said they would reveal more about the case on Sunday after gathering all the details.
