Tragic Incident Reported at Rajnagar Community Health Centre in Saraikela-Kharsawan District
A tragic maternal healthcare incident has surfaced from Jharkhand, where a woman and her newborn allegedly died during childbirth at the Rajnagar Community Health Centre after a delivery procedure was reportedly carried out using a mobile phone flashlight due to a power outage.
The deceased woman has been identified as Vineeta Banra, a health worker and resident of Hathisiring village in the Saraikela-Kharsawan district.
Family Alleges Delivery Was Conducted in Darkness
According to the victim’s husband, Durgacharan Banra, severe storms on Saturday disrupted the electricity supply at the health centre, while the solar backup system was also reportedly non-functional.
He alleged that no doctor was present during the delivery and that a nurse attempted to conduct the procedure using the flashlight of a mobile phone. During the process, the condition of both the mother and newborn allegedly worsened rapidly.
The husband further claimed that the nurse later rushed to call a doctor, but by the time medical assistance arrived, both Vineeta and the baby had died. He alleged that the deaths could have been prevented had the patient been referred to a higher medical centre in time.
Health Department Orders Inquiry
Following the incident, Ajay Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary in charge of the Health Department, sought a detailed report from the Civil Surgeon of Saraikela-Kharsawan district.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Nitish Kumar Singh has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation team includes the Civil Surgeon, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), and a senior doctor from Seraikela Sadar Hospital. Authorities stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry report.
Doctors Cite Postpartum Haemorrhage and Complications
A doctor reportedly on duty stated that the case involved Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), a severe medical emergency marked by excessive bleeding after childbirth.
According to officials, the newborn’s umbilical cord had become entangled around the neck, which allegedly contributed to the baby’s death, while the mother succumbed to complications related to excessive bleeding.
Dr SP Singh acknowledged that the power supply and solar backup system at the health centre were not functioning at the time of the incident.
“I was on official leave, but there should have been an inverter for the labour room at least. The Health Secretary has sought a report, and I will submit it shortly,” he stated.
Questions Raised Over Rural Healthcare Infrastructure
The incident has triggered serious concerns over emergency preparedness, electricity backup systems, and availability of doctors at rural healthcare facilities in Jharkhand.
The alleged absence of functional power backup in a labour room and claims of childbirth procedures being conducted under mobile flashlight have intensified scrutiny of healthcare infrastructure and maternal care standards at community health centres in remote regions.
