Babies in critical condition due to bacteria infection to be sent abroad for treatment

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has announced that arrangements are being made to send the babies who are in critical condition after contracting a dangerous bacteria, the Multidrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO), while admitted to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)—abroad for further medical treatment.

The main government hospital announced several babies treated at the hospital’s NICU contracted MDRO via s statement on Thursday evening. According to the hospital, they have taken stringent measures to prevent further spread of the bacteria.

IGMH explained that bacteria like MDRO typically emerge in environments where critically ill patients are treated and are resistant to antibiotics, making them capable of causing severe infections.

However, the hospital assured that the spread of the bacteria has now been brought under control.

IGMH provided further details in a follow-up statement issued Thursday night.

In this regard, the hospital said the first case of the bacteria was discovered on March 27^th, from a sample taken from a baby admitted to NICU who had been born 28 weeks earlier.

The baby was subsequently isolated, said the hospital, adding immediate measures were taken to combat further spread of the bacteria.

IGMH detailed that additional samples taken from four babies – three premature and one full-term – had come back positive for the same bacteria.

“Extensive testing was carried out to determine the source of contamination in the NICU environment. Thanks to prompt and coordinated action, the spread of the bacteria was successfully contained,” the statement read.

As per the hospital, no new cases have been reported since April 15^th. Meanwhile, the five babies who tested positive are currently receiving care under strict precautionary protocols. The hospital also confirmed that preparations are underway to transfer those requiring further treatment abroad.