Babies Infected with MDRO at IGMH to Receive Treatment Overseas

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has announced that arrangements are being made to transfer critically ill babies, who contracted a dangerous bacteria known as Multidrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO), abroad for further medical treatment.

The main government hospital confirmed last Thursday that several babies in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had been infected with MDRO. The hospital stated that stringent measures had been implemented to prevent further spread of the bacteria.

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IGMH explained that bacteria like MDRO commonly appear 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.

Providing further details in a statement issued on Thursday night, IGMH said the first case of the bacteria was identified on 27 March from a sample taken from a baby born at 28 weeks and admitted to the NICU. The baby was immediately isolated, and urgent measures were taken to contain the bacteria.

Subsequent testing of additional samples from four babies — three premature and one full-term — also returned positive results for the bacteria. The hospital reported that extensive testing was conducted to identify the source of contamination within the NICU. It stated that thanks to prompt and coordinated action, the spread of the bacteria was successfully contained.

According to the hospital, no new cases have been reported since 15 April. The five babies who tested positive remain under strict precautionary protocols and are receiving ongoing care. Preparations are currently underway to transfer those in need of further treatment abroad.