AMBALA: A woman alleged that her newly-born baby boy was replaced with a girl by a government hospital staff following which Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij directed the authorities to conduct a DNA test of both the woman and her baby.

The woman, a resident of Kaithal, approached the minister in an 'open darbar' held by him at Ambala Cantonment.

She said she gave birth to a child in the civil hospital at Kaithal few days ago but soon after delivery, her male child was replaced with a female by staff members.

She alleged the hospital authorities did not initiate any action when she brought it to their notice.

Mr Vij said it was a serious allegation and should be probed thoroughly.

He said he has directed the civil surgeon of the hospital to conduct the DNA test of the mother and her baby to know the truth of the matter.

Talking to reporters, Mr Vij also said as health department does not have any provision to check unauthorised online purchase of pregnancy test kits and medical termination of pregnancy drugs, the officers have been directed to find ways to curb this practice.

Mr Vij, who represents Ambala Cantt in the state Legislative Assembly, said facilities of sewerage and drinking water would be provided to every house in all villages and colonies in Sadar and municipal corporation areas of Ambala.

A proposal in this regard has been submitted to central government and is likely to be approved soon. A scheme to the tune of Rs. 37.67 crore was being implemented to ensure adequate supply of drinking water in 16 villages and 63 colonies, he added.