Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
Portuguese authorities have launched a probe after a baby was born without eyes, a nose and missing part of its skull and the obstetrician had not previously noticed.
The obstetrician in question reportedly has four disciplinary processes already open against him. He works at the Sao Bernardo Hospital in the municipality of Setubal which lies within the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Local media report the baby, named Rodrigo, was born without eyes, a nose and part of his skull in the hospital on 7th October.
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha report the tot’s mother Marlene Simao had undergone three ultrasound scans at an unnamed private clinic where the obstetrician under investigation worked. The specialist worked in both the hospital and in the private clinic.
The parents report that the obstetrician, named in reports as Artur Carvalho, did not notice any deformities with the baby. They reportedly underwent a 5-D scan in another clinic where staff noticed the problems with the unborn baby.
However, the parents allege when they told Carvalho of the other clinic’s findings he dismissed them and guaranteed there were no problems.
After Rodrigo was born with deformities his parents filed a complaint with the prosecution who have launched an investigation.
Doctors are said to have initially feared for the tot’s life but he remains alive and according to the family no longer requires assistance breathing. He is now reportedly able to feed through a bottle.
Local media report the obstetrician has four disciplinary processes open in the College of Doctors who did not provide more information about the processes.
Reports state in Portugal rules allow any doctor to perform ultrasound scans during pregnancy and interpret the results.
The Central Hospital of Setubal (CHS), which Sao Bernardo Hospital is integrated into, released a statement reading: “The accompanying of the patient’s pregnancy was not carried out at the CHS. Complementary means of diagnosis and therapy were not performed at the CHS either.”
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
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