Sanitation worker delivers baby at MP health center, newborn dies
A newborn died in Madhya Pradesh after a sanitation worker helped deliver the baby, without any medical assistance. The incident took place at a primary health care center in Kharai village in Shivpuri district, where the mother, 32-year-old Rani Ojha, underwent labour in the absence of any doctor. The district health officer confirmed that the doctor was not around at the healthcare center due to an exam.
Ojha's husband called for ambulance multiple times
According to The Indian Express, Ojha started experiencing labor pains around 9:00am on Sunday. Despite her husband, Ram Sevak Ojha, calling for an ambulance multiple times, none arrived. "We did not get an ambulance even though I called for one many times," he said. They had to use a private vehicle to reach the healthcare center.
Sanitation worker terminated from job
Upon reaching the healthcare center around 12:30pm, the couple found no doctor or nurse present. A woman sanitation worker then assisted Rani into the labor room. Rani gave birth to a girl, who died minutes later due to lack of timely medical assistance. The sanitation worker who assisted with the delivery has since been terminated from her job. She told local media that doctors and nurses often do not report for duty on Sundays.
Incident highlights inadequate healthcare facilities in Madhya Pradesh
This incident is a grim reminder of the inadequate healthcare facilities in Madhya Pradesh. To recall, in June, videos surfaced on social media showing rats roaming around a government-run hospital in Gwalior city. The authorities were then prompted to order effective pest control measures.
