DAMMAM: Two families in the Eastern Province experienced the unimaginable as their babies were switched at a private hospital last week.
The father of one of the infants was on his way home to Qatif with his wife and baby when he received a phone call from the hospital asking him to come back. Upon arrival, he was informed that the family was handed the wrong baby.
“The other family was also in dismay, and they were all anxious until they saw their real child again,” he said.
The man said he found it strange that no hospital administrator or staff asked him for identification before handing over the baby. “The other family informed the police who came to the site; they took us to the police station in Al-Thaqbah and opened a file for the case,” he said, adding that two hospital officials admitted to making a mistake.
The father said he expects the case to be referred to court. He also said he will ask for damages as the hospital negligence almost made him lose his only son.
“We must take firm action and put an end to such neglect, not just fire the nurses responsible for the switch.”
Earlier reports had said that one of the families had doubts about the baby they took home, and upon checking with the hospital, they were informed that their son was given to another family in Qatif by accident.
Switched babies reunited with parents
Switched babies reunited with parents
