A disturbing incident has been reported from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, where a 20 year old woman from the Musahar community gave birth near the gate of a government hospital after her family alleged that she was not admitted for delivery.
The incident took place outside Maharaja Chet Singh Government District Hospital in Gyanpur and later triggered an official inquiry.
Family Alleges Caste Based Refusal
The woman, identified as Rani Vanvasi, had reached the hospital with her family while in labour. Her family alleged that hospital staff refused to attend to her after learning that she belonged to the Musahar community. They further alleged that staff told them the hospital would not conduct her delivery because she was a Musahar.
However, the hospital administration has disputed the caste discrimination allegation. Chief Medical Officer Santosh Kumar Chak said the woman had been referred because of severe anaemia, with her haemoglobin reportedly around 5 grams.
Woman Delivers Outside Hospital
According to reports, the family had earlier taken Rani to another medical facility but returned to the Bhadohi district hospital after she continued to experience labour pain.
On Tuesday night, while the family was leaving the hospital, Rani went into labour near the hospital campus. Women accompanying her reportedly used a sheet as a cover and helped her deliver the baby on the roadside.
Inquiry Finds Serious Negligence
A government inquiry was ordered after the incident came to light. The inquiry found serious negligence by several hospital staff members. Officials said the labour room was found locked and that some doctors dealt with the case over the phone instead of attending to the woman in person.
Action Taken Against Hospital Staff
Following the inquiry, contractual doctor Dr Pankaj Kumar was removed from service, while staff nurse Neelam Maurya was transferred. One month’s salary of gynaecologist Dr Mukesh Prajapati was withheld.
Action has also been recommended against Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Kumar Tiwari and gynaecologist Dr Neelima Dhawan.
The Chief Medical Officer said Rani and her newborn were later brought back to the hospital and provided treatment. Officials said both were under medical observation and were reported to be stable.
The case has raised serious questions about emergency maternity care, hospital accountability and allegations of caste based discrimination. While the inquiry established negligence, the specific allegation that treatment was denied because of Rani’s caste remains disputed by officials.