Dehradun, Sept 29: In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, a pregnant woman was forced to give birth on the floor of Haridwar’s Women’s Hospital after being denied treatment by staff. Authorities have since dismissed the on-duty medical officer and initiated action against the nurses involved.
Family Alleges Denial of Care
According to the woman’s relatives, she arrived in severe labour pain late on September 28. Instead of being admitted, the daily wage worker’s wife was turned away by doctors and nurses. Moments later, she collapsed on the hospital floor and delivered her baby without medical assistance.
Eyewitness Accounts Spark Outrage
Witnesses claimed not a single staff member intervened. Instead, the attending ASHA worker was reportedly told, “It’s your patient, you clean the mess.” The worker also alleged that when she tried to record the incident on her mobile phone, hospital staff threatened her and attempted to snatch the device. The video has since gone viral, fuelling public anger.
Hospital Denies Allegations
Chief Medical Officer Dr R.K. Singh dismissed the claims, insisting the woman was admitted and that the delivery took place inside the facility. He alleged the charges were part of a conspiracy by the ASHA worker. Singh maintained that a formal inquiry would reveal the truth.
Women’s Commission Steps In
The Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. Chairperson Kusum Kandwal called the incident “a matter of serious concern” and demanded accountability, directing senior officials to conduct a thorough probe and submit findings without delay.
Swift Disciplinary Action
Following the Commission’s intervention, the Health Department dismissed the on-duty medical officer and began disciplinary proceedings against the nurses. CMS Ranveer Singh, leading the internal inquiry, described the staff’s conduct as “inhuman” and assured that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
Political Repercussions
The case has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging that Uttarakhand’s healthcare system is in deep crisis. They accused the government of failing to respond to the urgent needs of residents, particularly in rural and poor communities.
Pattern of Negligence Cases
This is not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, a child in Bageshwar died allegedly due to medical negligence, raising alarm over public health services in the state — especially in remote and hilly regions where access to emergency care remains limited.
