The healthcare system in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district has come under intense scrutiny following a distressing incident at the Sonabal Primary Health Center. A pregnant woman, who arrived at the facility expecting medical assistance, found the hospital's main entrance locked and the premises completely deserted. With no healthcare staff available to provide support, the woman was forced to give birth to a healthy infant right in the hospital's outdoor corridor. This incident has raised serious questions regarding the reliability of maternal health services and the availability of emergency night-time care in the region.
Allegations from the family
Sakaram Baghel, a relative of the woman, recounted the ordeal, stating that they rushed the expectant mother to the Sonabal hospital as soon as labor pains intensified. Upon arrival, they discovered the main gate was bolted. Even after checking the staff quarters, they found no one present to attend to the emergency. Left with no other choice, the delivery occurred in the open corridor. According to Baghel, they had to purchase a blade from a nearby shop to cut the baby's umbilical cord, and the medical staff only arrived about half an hour after the birth.
The father’s account
The woman’s husband, Anget Kashyap, described how they had traveled from their home specifically to reach the Sonabal hospital for the delivery. Despite the lack of an open facility, he confirmed that both the mother and the newborn are healthy and safe. He noted that the baby weighed three kilograms at birth.
Response from the health center
Hiramati Sahu, an ANM at the Sonabal Primary Health Center, denied accusations of negligence or delayed response. She stated that she was eating her meal when the information reached her and claimed she rushed to the hospital immediately. She added that security guards are assigned to the facility and are expected to sleep there at night. Sahu further maintained that she was the one who eventually cut the baby’s umbilical cord after arriving. She highlighted that her residence is located near the health center and insisted that she responds promptly whenever she receives a call.
