Parents abandon ailing baby

A baby boy with a hole in his heart has been abandoned by his parents at a hospital in Gurgaon on the outskirts of Delhi.

A hospital has offered to treat the baby free of cost but parental consent is required.


His parents abandoned him and are untraceable because they are just to poor to pay the hospital bills.

Eight days ago Rajesh and Rubi were informed that their child, delivered six weeks before schedule, was seriously ill. Doctors advised the couple to move the baby to a bigger hospital because his heart problems needed expert attention.

Since then there's been no sign of the parents. On Tuesday morning Rajesh finally called the hospital to check on the baby and promised to show up but so far the baby is still alone.

''He called today so we are hopeful he'll come for the child soon. The child's ailment was such that even here the charges were Rs 5000 a day but we told the parents we'll help as much as we can,'' said Anish Dhar, CEO, Life Line Health Care Hospital.

The hospital says it's likely that the financial strain of having their baby treated has scared Rajesh and Rubi away. Rajesh works as a peon at a factory in Manesar. NDTV found their house locked.

''They left on (April) 22 saying they are going to be with their baby in the hospital,'' said their landlord.

Apollo Hospital has contacted NDTV that they will treat the child free of cost but they need the parents' consent to transfer the baby to their care.

For the three-week old baby boy, who has barely opened his eyes to see the world, it is already a battle - a battle as much for survival as for the love of his parents.

Source : http://www.ndtv.com