Pregnant Woman Forced to Deliver Outside Rajasthan PHC as Staff Found Absent
A shocking incident of medical negligence has come to light in Rajasthan, where a pregnant woman in active labour was compelled to deliver her baby outside a primary health centre (PHC) after discovering no doctor or nursing staff on duty. The event occurred at the PHC in Bhadla village of the Nokha area in Bikaner district, exposing severe deficiencies in government healthcare services.
Emergency Delivery at PHC Gate Without Medical Assistance
The woman arrived at the PHC on Wednesday seeking urgent medical help for her delivery. However, the facility was effectively unmanned, with no clinical staff available to admit her or provide assistance. In a distressing turn of events, her family members and accompanying women had to help her give birth near the PHC gate.
Those present held up a cloth to create a makeshift cover for privacy as the delivery took place in the open. A lone computer operator posted at the centre was the only staff member present at the time and was unable to offer any medical support, according to local residents. The doctor allegedly arrived only after the baby had already been delivered.
Health Department Takes Swift Action Against Negligent Staff
Following an inquiry into the incident, the health department removed doctor Govind Gedar and nursing staff member Vikram Singh from their posts on Thursday. Bikaner chief medical health officer Dr Pukhraj Sadh stated that the PHC is officially staffed with a doctor, nursing staff, and other required personnel.
"An inquiry into the incident found that the doctor on duty and the nursing staff along with other staff were absent from their posts at the time the woman arrived and needed care," Dr Sadh told TOI. Health department officials have termed it a serious case of negligence and confirmed that disciplinary action will be initiated against those found responsible for being absent.
Village Outrage and Demands for Accountability
The incident triggered significant anger in Bhadla village, with residents gathering at the PHC to protest and demand immediate action. Villager Jogendra Singh alleged that only the computer operator was present when the woman was brought in, leaving no one to admit her or provide clinical support during the emergency.
This case highlights ongoing issues in rural healthcare infrastructure, where staff absenteeism can lead to life-threatening situations. Dr Sadh assured that the woman and her newborn are safe and currently under treatment, but the event has raised serious questions about the reliability of primary health services in the region.
