Malda, Nov. 5 -- A shocking incident at Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) has raised serious questions over its maternity services after a pregnant woman allegedly denied admission delivered a baby girl at a government night shelter near the hospital around 2.30 am.
The woman, identified as Srabanti Tudu, a resident of Raniganj in Gazole, arrived at the hospital on Wednesday night with labour pain. However, her family alleged that doctors at the Matrima department refused to admit her, saying that it was not yet time for delivery. With no other option, her relatives initially took shelter on the footpath outside the Emergency department before moving to the adjoining government night shelter. It was there that Srabanti delivered a girl around 2.30 am. Her husband, Samiran Bhuimali, works as a migrant labourer.
Sajal Bhuimali, a relative of the patient, alleged: "We brought her to the hospital with severe labour pain, hoping she would receive immediate medical attention. But instead of admitting her, the hospital authorities sent us away. We were left with no option but to take shelter outside." Astami Bhuimali, another relative, said: "She delivered the baby at the night shelter.
Even after delivery, nobody came forward to help us. We had to bring the mother and newborn downstairs from the second floor in a sack as no hospital trolley was provided."
MMCH authorities have initiated an inquiry. Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal Dr Ganesh Chandra Gain said: "A three-member committee will be constituted to investigate the incident. If anyone is found guilty of negligence, appropriate action will be taken. Such an inhuman incident cannot be tolerated."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.