Haridwar Hospital Scandal: Pregnant Woman Forced to Deliver on Floor After Admission Denied

In a shocking incident in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, a pregnant woman was reportedly denied admission at a government hospital and forced to deliver her baby on the hospital floor. The incident, which occurred on the night of September 28, has sparked outrage nationwide after videos of the ordeal went viral.

The woman, from a low-income background, arrived at the hospital around 9:30 pm, experiencing severe labor pains. Reports indicate that the on-duty doctor refused to admit her, stating that deliveries were not being conducted at the facility that night.

With no immediate assistance, the woman gave birth on the hospital floor around 1:30 am. According to family members, no medical staff assisted her during the delivery, leaving her vulnerable during a critical medical emergency.

Adding to the distress, a nurse allegedly mocked the woman after the delivery, asking if she had “enjoyed” the experience and whether she planned to have more children.

This insensitive behavior amplified public outrage, highlighting gaps in patient care, empathy, and accountability within government healthcare facilities.

Social media users expressed deep concern over the treatment of vulnerable patients and the lack of professional ethics in handling childbirth emergencies.

Haridwar’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. R.K. Singh, confirmed that an official inquiry has been launched into the incident. He stated that a preliminary report has been obtained from the Women’s Hospital, and a detailed written account is awaited.

“The woman arrived at around 9:30 pm and delivered at 1:30 am in the emergency room. We are verifying the authenticity of the viral video, and if any negligence is found, strict action will be taken,” Dr. Singh said.

The tragic incident in Haridwar underscores the critical need for timely and skilled emergency obstetric care. In contrast, a study conducted at JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry highlights the importance of such care in preventing maternal mortality. The research found that 90% of maternal deaths were emergency admissions, with 59% being referrals from other facilities.

Alarmingly, 32% of these women died within 24 hours of admission, emphasizing the urgency of rapid intervention. The study advocates for comprehensive emergency obstetric care facilities, including obstetric ICU care, to address the increasing proportion of indirect maternal deaths. This evidence underscores that, unlike the Haridwar tragedy, robust emergency care systems can significantly mitigate maternal risks and save lives.

Reference:

Dasari, P. "Maternal Mortality and Its Relationship to Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India." International Journal of Emergency Medicine 7, Suppl 1 (2014): O7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4935015/

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)