Father of twins born conjoined at the stomach can't afford life-saving operation to separate them

Conjoined twins fused together at the stomach have been born in India, but their family cannot afford the life-saving operation to separate them.

Mohini Singh, 20, was admitted to a hospital in Agra, northern India on Wednesday evening after complaining of severe labour pains eight months into her pregnancy.

But after nearly an hour-long caesarean operation, Mohini was stunned to find her new-born was not one but two daughters attached at the stomach.

Each baby has its own heart, two lungs and a set of healthy limbs.

Shocked Mohini told doctors she didn't have an ultrasound check during the pregnancy as her husband, Pradeep Singh, 25, a daily wage labour could not afford the regular check-ups.

“I had never imagined I would have twins let alone them being joined with each other. I had a very problem-free pregnancy and never thought of regular check-ups. I am heartbroken. They are beautiful but I am not sure how long will they survive,” said an inconsolable Mohini.

Doctors at Jai Devi Hospital where the babies were born, claimed the twins suffered from the condition Thoracopagus, the chances of such births are one in half a million.

Dr Sashi Gupta, the gynaecologist, said: "It is a very rare case of conjoined twins. In my 30 year-long career, I have never come across any conjoined twins. This is probably the first case in Agra as well."

Despite conjoined twins often facing a slim chance of survival due to complications, the twins separate hearts and lungs give them a better chance of survival.

Dr Gupta added: “Though the chances of survival can be grim in these cases, they might live if they are separated within 34 weeks as they have separate hearts and other organs but share same liver. The operation would be critical and expensive.”

But the operation for their separation is only possible in bigger hospitals in New Delhi, the capital city of the country.

Pradeep, who earns just £50 a month, said: “We were very excited for the arrival of our first child but never imagined God will give us twins who would be joined with each other.

"We do not know what to do now. Doctors are saying they might survive if taken to an advanced hospital but I do not have money to foot the hospital bills.

“But I will not abandon my children. I will take best care of them for as long as they survive. I don't know if government will help a poor man like me."

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