Mumbai : In a deeply distressing incident that highlights persistent gaps in rural healthcare access, Sakharam Kavar, a 28-year-old tribal daily wager from Maharashtra’s Katkari community, was forced to carry the body of his stillborn daughter in a carry bag on a 90-kilometre state transport bus journey, after allegedly being denied an ambulance by Nashik Civil Hospital.
The child, born still at around 1:30 a.m. on June 12, was Sakharam and his wife Avita’s third. The couple had returned to their native Jogalwadi village in Palghar district weeks earlier, hoping for a safe delivery closer to home. But a series of systemic lapses, alleged medical negligence, and lack of timely transportation turned their hopes into a harrowing ordeal.
“I lost my child due to the negligence and apathy of the health system,” Sakharam told the media, his voice trembling with grief.
According to Sakharam, the nightmare began on June 11, when Avita went into labour. Their calls for an ambulance reportedly went unanswered. After much delay and help from an ASHA worker, they reached Khodala Primary Health Centre, only to be referred to Mokhada Rural Hospital.
There, Avita alleges she was isolated without proper care, and when Sakharam protested, police were called and he was allegedly beaten. Doctors, unable to detect the foetal heartbeat, referred them to Nashik. With Mokhada’s ambulance non-functional, another was called from Aase village, 25 km away.
At Nashik Civil Hospital, Avita delivered a stillborn baby early the next morning. But Sakharam says when he requested an ambulance to take the body home, he was denied.
“I bought a ₹20 carry bag, wrapped my daughter in cloth, and took her home in a state transport bus. No one even asked what I was carrying,” he said.
The child was buried the same day. On June 13, Sakharam returned to Nashik to bring his wife home. Once again, he claimed, no ambulance was provided, and Avita—weak and without medication—had to return by bus.
Health Officials Deny Negligence
Nashik Civil Surgeon Dr. Pramod Gunjal denied the allegations, stating, “Ambulances travel to Mokhada regularly and we could have accommodated the family. Protocols were explained to them.” He added that Sakharam reportedly left with the body without informing hospital staff.
Meanwhile, Mokhada Tehsil Health Officer Dr. Bhausaheb Chattar claimed that an ambulance had been arranged for Avita’s return on June 13, but Sakharam allegedly declined the offer and signed a waiver. Still, he confirmed that Sakharam travelled with the baby’s body on a bus.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage over the healthcare system’s failure to provide basic dignity in death and necessary postnatal support.
A Broader Healthcare Crisis
This case reflects a broader pattern of infrastructure gaps, delayed referrals, and medical staff shortages in tribal and remote areas. Local activists and healthcare experts have demanded a thorough investigation, accountability from concerned authorities, and urgent reforms to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
