BERHAMPUR: A Woman, who was unable to get admission in the community health centre (CHC) at Tumudibandh in Kandhamal district, delivered the baby at verandah of the CHC. The incident took place on Saturday night. The baby died within a few minutes unable to bear the cold outside and the couple was forced to carry the infant’s body home in a bag on Sunday.
On Saturday night, Sita Digal of Sinemila village under Tumudibandh block complained of labour pain and was brought to Tumudibandh CHC by 102 ambulance at around 11 pm. Instead of leaving Sita at the indoor, the ambulance alighted her at CHC gate and left. Sita, her husband and mother-in-law approached the hospital staff to open the indoor gate, but no one responded.
The labour pain increased and Sita gave birth to a baby boy on the verandah of the CHC. Even as the newborn died within a few minutes, none of the CHC staff came to Sita’s help.
On Sunday morning, Sita and her family members met the doctor, who confirmed that the newborn had died. They then packed the body in a bag and returned home.
While the Digal couple alleged that the death was due to negligence in treatment, the in-charge of the hospital, Dr Prasanna Kumar Tripathy refuted the allegation. He said Sita had the expected delivery date on December 27 and underwent regular checkup in the hospital. The boy might have died in the womb, he said and added that two days back, Sita suffered from high blood pressure. Tripathy said investigation into the matter is on.