New Delhi: An incident of negligence and systemic failure has unfolded in Madhya Pradesh where a pregnant woman lost her child after being forced to rely on the “medical expertise” of a sanitation worker. The shocking incident has highlighted the gaping holes in the state’s healthcare system, leaving many questioning the value placed on human life.
Rani, a 32-year-old expectant mother, was left stranded in a desperate situation. When her labor began, ambulances failed to respond to her calls for help, despite a state law mandating immediate transport to a hospital or PHC. Even when Rani finally reached the hospital, she was met with an empty ward, empty of doctors or nurses.
Due to the dearth of medical staff, a sanitation worker, with no medical training, was left to perform the delivery. The infant, unfortunately, did not survive. The sanitation worker has been fired, but the incident has raised serious questions about accountability and the lack of qualified medical personnel at the medical facilities of the state.
The absence of an ambulance and the shortage of medical staff at the hospital has exposed the cracks in Madhya Pradesh’s healthcare system. The doctor was reportedly on leave and the nurse was “missing,” leaving a pregnant woman in a life-or-death situation with no medical assistance.
The tragic incident took place around 9 am Sunday in a village called Kharai in Shivpuri district. District Health Officer Sanjay Risheshwar has said the matter is being investigated and vowed “strict action” against those guilty, NDTV reported.
