Bhadohi: A 20-year-old pregnant woman gave birth on the roadside outside a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi district after she was allegedly denied admission for delivery, prompting an official inquiry that found serious negligence by hospital staff.
The woman, identified as Rani Vanvasi, had gone to Maharaja Chet Singh Government District Hospital in Gyanpur with labour pains. Her family alleged that hospital staff failed to provide timely treatment and did not admit her.
According to Chief Medical Officer Santosh Kumar Chak, Rani had a haemoglobin level of around 5 grams per decilitre, indicating severe anaemia. She was reportedly referred to a higher-level facility in Mirzapur and later advised to go to Banaras Hindu University for further treatment.
Her brother was reportedly willing to donate blood, but the family said no arrangement was made for her admission. The family also alleged that staff refused to attend to her because she belonged to the Musahar community. The caste discrimination allegation was made by the family and political groups; the health department’s account focused on her severe anaemia and need for higher-level treatment.
Inquiry Finds Serious Negligence at Bhadohi Hospital
Rani eventually went into labour near the hospital gate while she and her family were leaving. Women accompanying her used saris or a sheet to provide privacy as she delivered the baby beside the road.
After being informed about the incident, the district administration brought Rani and her newborn back to the hospital, where they received medical care.
District Magistrate Shailesh Kumar ordered an inquiry into the incident. A three-member team comprising Deputy CMOs Ram Ashish Saroj and Om Prakash Shukla and gynaecologist Shalini Pathak examined the case.
The inquiry found serious negligence involving four doctors and a staff nurse. Officials also found that the hospital’s labour room was locked and that senior staff dealt with the case over the telephone instead of providing in-person care.
Action was subsequently recommended against Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Kumar Tiwari and gynaecologist Dr Neelima Dhawan. The salary of gynaecologist Dr Mukesh Prajapati was withheld for a month, while emergency-duty doctor Dr Pankaj Kumar was removed from service. Staff nurse Neelam Maurya was transferred to Aurai Community Health Centre.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak took cognisance of the incident and directed officials to ensure accountability. He said the safety of mothers and newborns and timely healthcare at government facilities were priorities.
The incident has raised concerns over the handling of emergency maternity cases at government hospitals. The official inquiry established negligence by hospital personnel, while the separate allegation of caste-based denial of treatment remains a claim made by the woman’s family and other parties.
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