UP woman, denied CHC entry over ‘blood shortage’, delivers baby on road; dy CM vows strict action

AYODHYA: In a shocking case of medical apathy, a pregnant woman was forced to deliver her baby on the roadside in the Rudauli area of Ayodhya district after being turned away by a govt hospital despite experiencing intense labour pains on Friday.Assuring the strict action, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, said, "We are gathering full details and will ensure that all those found responsible face strict consequences."According to reports, the woman, Raj Kumari from Bahras village, was brought by her family to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Khairanpur, Rudauli. However, the on-duty gynaecologist, Dr Anju Jaiswal, referred her to the district hospital citing anaemia, even though the woman was in active labour.The family arranged a private vehicle and began the 40-km journey to Ayodhya District Hospital, but midway, Raj Kumari's condition worsened. With no help from the authorities, she was made to sit under a tree by the roadside. Some local women stepped in and assisted her in delivering the baby. Both mother and child are reported to be healthy.Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Sushil Kumar Baniyan told TOI, "Upon reviewing the case, it was found that the patient was examined superficially. Despite visible signs of labour, she was referred to the district hospital on grounds of low haemoglobin without conducting the necessary clinical examinations. Had a thorough examination been done, the woman would not have been forced to deliver on the roadside. This amounts to gross negligence."Following the incident, Dr Anju Jaiswal was transferred to CHC Mawai, and a formal inquiry has been ordered against her. Dr Reena Mishra has been posted in her place at Rudauli CHC.Ayodhya district magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde told TOI that a panel has been formed by the CMO, Ayodhya, for a detailed probe, after which action will be taken against the officials responsible for the incident.