Bhubaneswar, March 20 -- The death of a newborn at a Primary Health Centre in Odisha's Kandhamal district has sparked allegations of medical negligence, with the family accusing healthcare staff of mishandling the delivery.

The incident occurred at the Balandapada Primary Health Centre under Phiringia block, where a woman from Kumelsing village was admitted for delivery on Thursday. According to reports, the delivery was conducted by a staff nurse in the absence of a doctor.

Following the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were reported to be in critical condition and were referred to the district headquarters hospital. However, doctors there declared the newborn dead.

Sources said the woman had been under observation and care a...