Determining the Timing of Birth in Hospitals That Have Shut Down

Understanding the exact timing of your birth can be crucial for various purposes, such as medical records, genealogy research, or legal documentation. However, when the hospital where you were born has shut down, obtaining this information can become challenging. Here are several strategies to help you find the timing of your birth in such cases.

Understanding the Context

Before we dive into the methods to uncover the birth timing, it's important to understand some context. If you were born in India after 1969, it is unlikely that the time of birth was recorded in the birth record sent by the hospital to the Registrar of Births and Deaths, as this detail was not part of the reporting form at that time. This can lead to difficulties when trying to find the exact time of your birth.

Seeking Information from the Medical Practitioner

If you know the name of the doctor who attended your birth, contacting them can be a viable option. They may be practicing in another hospital or doing private practice. If you provide the date of birth and year, the doctor can likely recall the time of birth. Additionally, the medical records may still be stored in the hospital, and a watchman or a ward boy who works there can often provide the necessary details.

In cases where the hospital has shut down and there are no traceable records, the doctor may still be able to provide the information. The records may be kept in a secure storage area in the hospital. A watchman or security guard may be able to provide the necessary details, especially if the year and date of birth are known.

Consulting Close Relatives and Maternal Aunts

Another approach is to ask close relatives, particularly maternal aunts, who may have recorded the time of birth or have knowledge of the exact timing. This could be a valuable source of information, especially if no hospital records are available. If all efforts to obtain this information fail, you may have to wait for the hospital to reopen, at which point you can inquire directly about the records.

Exploring Online and Offline Records

Some hospitals in other regions may have records of recent births available online. An internet search can be a useful tool in these cases. You can also try contacting the corporation office of the hospital, as they might keep records even if the primary medical facility has shut down. These offices may be able to provide the information you need.

For those in regions with electronic health records, the records may still exist on the hospital's system. You can check with the hospital's administrative offices if they can provide the necessary information.

Using Mother's Knowledge and Hospital Registers

The mother, who was present during the birth, can provide valuable information. Doctors and other medical staff typically maintain proper records of births in their registers. If the hospital has shut down, a watchman or ward boy at the facility can also provide the information.

In cases where electronic records are not available, the best option is to ask the mother directly. She was present during the birth and can provide the details about the time of birth.

Conclusion

Determining the exact timing of your birth can be challenging, especially in cases where the hospital has shut down. However, through various methods such as contacting the doctor, close relatives, and exploring offline and online records, you can often find the necessary information. If all else fails, patience and persistence are key, as the information may be available with the hospital's staff or security personnel.