MP health services: Madhya Pradesh’s much-touted healthcare system was exposed again on Saturday, as a woman reeling with labour pain had to deliver a baby girl at the main entrance of the Raisen district hospital, after the ambulance driver dropped her there, without ensuring her admission to the hospital. A video of the woman delivering the infant is making rounds on social media, and has sparked outrage locally.

Delivery unfolds in early hours of Saturday

According to official sources, a pregnant woman named Munni Bai (28) had been brought to the Raisen district hospital by means of a Janani Express ambulance on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday. However, the driver of the ambulance reportedly dropped Munni at the hospital gate and left from the spot in the vehicle, leaving her unattended.

Munni was accompanied by her husband, who went inside the hospital to complete the registration formalities. At around 3:15 AM on Saturday, the woman went into labour, and delivered the baby girl at the entrance of the medical facility.

Hospital staffers rush to woman’s aid

On receipt of the information, the hospital staff rushed to Munni’s aid, and shifted her, as well as her newborn baby girl inside the hospital by 3:20 AM. As per officials, both Munni and her baby are stable and are under medical observation at present. The officials confirmed that this is Munni’s third child.

Janani Express protocol under question

The incident has put the protocol of Janani Express ambulance drivers under question. Notably, the scheme sponsored by the Central government has been designed to provide free transportation to the pregnant women to the hospital, to ensure safe and timely deliveries of newborns.

Civil surgeon at Raisen District Hospital, Dr Yashpal Balyan maintained that it was the responsibility of the ambulance driver concerned to escort the woman inside, and assist her kin with the admission process. He added that the woman claimed that the ambulance arrived late, and the driver left from the scene without proper handover.

Action to be sought against the driver

Dr Balyan further said that a letter would be written to the private firm operating the ambulance service, seeking action against the driver.