Medical Appraisal Launched After 5-Month-Old Dies in Heart Surgery

Chinese authorities have launched a medical accident appraisal and accepted a civil lawsuit following the death of a five-month-old infant after heart surgery in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.

The case involves a baby girl known as Little Luoxi, who died on November 14 after undergoing cardiac surgery at the Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, drawing widespread public attention.

Authorities in Zhejiang have dispatched a task force to oversee follow-up handling, according to Xinhua news agency. Ningbo City has also sent a task force to the hospital to continue investigations.

Local outlet Tide News reported that Ningbo authorities established an investigation team on November 17 and conducted a comprehensive inquiry. Preliminary findings were released on December 14, and relevant personnel were disciplined.

At the family's request, Ningbo authorities commissioned the Hubei Chongxin Judicial Expertise Center to conduct an autopsy. The autopsy report was delivered to the family on December 19.

In response to the family's concerns over the surgical treatment, Ningbo authorities said a medical accident technical appraisal has been initiated.

In response to the family's concerns over the surgical treatment, Ningbo authorities said a medical accident appraisal has been initiated. Experts will be invited to determine whether medical malpractice occurred. Officials said those found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the appraisal's conclusions.

Separately, a lawsuit filed by the family against the hospital over medical damage liability has been formally accepted by the Haishu District People's Court in Ningbo.

"Medical disputes are complex and highly specialized. Scientific and rigorous medical assessments, together with impartial judicial rulings, are essential to establishing the facts and demonstrating respect for life," several authoritative medical experts were quoted as saying by Tide News.