MP: Woman delivers in hospital washroom; newborn falls, dies | Bhopal News
BHOPAL: A woman in her full-term pregnancy delivered in the washroom of the Community Health Center after her water broke, and the infant fell to the floor, dying on the spot from a skull injury. The incident took place in Chourai village of Chhindwara district on Sept 11, with the family accusing hospital staff of failing to provide timely care.The victim, Sona Kahar of Mandriya village, was brought to the hospital around 2 am in a 108 ambulance. The family alleged that no doctor was present, and the duty nurse after a brief check said it was “too early” for delivery and went to rest.When labour pains intensified, Sona’s mother-in-law took her to the washroom, where she delivered. The newborn slipped from her womb, hit the floor, and died immediately of head injuries, said sources.The family claims the baby cried briefly before dying, but hospital staff later declared the infant stillborn. They alleged that the hospital made them sign papers, collected a discharge fee, and handed over the dead child. A memorandum has been submitted to the administration demanding strict action. The family staged a protest at the facility. The next day, on the directions of SDM Prabhat Mishra, the Block Medical Officer visited the victim’s home to record her statement. As her condition worsened, she was readmitted. Hospital authorities maintained the baby was stillborn. A duty doctor’s report said intra-uterine deaths can happen at any stage of pregnancy. However, experts admitted that without a thorough medical examination, it could not be conclusively said whether the infant died in the womb or after delivery.Chhindwara district collector Sheelendra Singh told TOI: “Staff nurse Veena Thakur has been suspended for negligence after the initial probe. An SDM-level officer is conducting the inquiry, and if any doctor is found responsible, strict action will be taken.”
