Tragic Delivery on Hospital Steps in Badaun; Newborn Dies, Serious Questions Raised

Badaun, Uttar Pradesh: A shocking incident at the District Women’s Hospital in Badaun has raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare in the district. On Tuesday night, a pregnant woman named Savita went into labor and delivered her child on the hospital steps due to delays in receiving medical attention. Tragically, the newborn did not survive.

According to reports, Savita’s family contacted an ASHA worker after she began experiencing labor pains. However, the ASHA reportedly arrived late, and instead of a government ambulance, Savita was brought to the hospital in an e-rickshaw. Upon reaching the hospital gate, she collapsed due to severe pain. Witnesses say she remained in agony for nearly half an hour as hospital staff failed to respond promptly. When her family raised an alarm, she was finally admitted, but by then it was too late. Doctors declared the newborn dead.

Allegations of Negligence:
Savita’s husband, Suraj, accused the hospital staff and the ASHA worker of gross negligence, claiming that timely intervention could have saved the child’s life. He said, “Hospital staff is supposed to provide care and treatment, but my wife was left writhing in pain at the gate. When we protested, she was taken inside and handed back a lifeless baby.”

Savita also recounted her ordeal, stating that after being transported in the e-rickshaw, she collapsed at the gate, partially delivered her child, and waited for help as no staff came to assist. Only after repeated appeals did anyone respond, by which time the baby had died.

Investigation Ordered:
Preliminary accounts suggest negligence on the part of the ASHA worker, and questions are also being raised about the hospital staff who reportedly ignored the woman’s suffering for half an hour. Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Shobha Agrawal confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

This tragic incident exposes serious gaps in maternal healthcare services, despite government initiatives promoting free ambulance services and institutional deliveries for pregnant women. The inquiry is expected to shed light on the lapses that led to this heartbreaking loss.