In Freezing Night, Woman Delivers Baby on Road in Vidisha as Ambulance Fails to Arrive

Vidisha, MP: A shocking instance of negligence and human resilience emerged from Pathari’s Chapara village in Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh, where a pregnant woman gave birth on the road in the dead of night due to unavailability of ambulance services. Wrapped in a tarpaulin and lit by mobile torchlight, the delivery was assisted by the village watchwoman and a local midwife.

The incident occurred on Thursday night. Sandhya, wife of Sanjay Adivasi, began experiencing labor pains around midnight. Her family repeatedly contacted emergency services, including 108 Ambulance and Janani Express, but were repeatedly told to “wait a little” as the vehicles failed to reach her. With her condition worsening, the family decided to carry her on foot for three kilometers to the nearest community health center.

Along the way, near a ration shop in Ghadi Mohalla, Sandhya could not proceed further and had to sit on the road. Village watchwoman Hari Bai and local midwife Rajbai stepped in to help. To shield Sandhya from the freezing cold under the open sky, locals lit a small fire and covered her with a tarpaulin. Her husband used a mobile torch to illuminate the area, enabling the delivery to take place on the roadside.

Even after the delivery, no government vehicle arrived. Local resident Sanjay Jain then drove the mother and newborn in his private car to the hospital around 3:30 a.m., ensuring their safety. Villagers provided clothing, tarpaulin, and warmth to protect the mother and child.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Ramhit Kumar confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered into the negligence. Ambulances are stationed nearby at Kurwai and Tyonda, and officials are investigating why they failed to reach the scene. Strict action will be taken against negligent staff and ambulance operations personnel.