A disturbing incident in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, highlights a serious lapse in healthcare. A government hospital refused to admit a pregnant woman, claiming her unborn child was dead. The woman then sought care at a private hospital, where she delivered a healthy baby. This case has caused considerable concern, prompting an administrative investigation.
According to Vinod Saw, he travelled with his wife, Manisha Devi, approximately 120 kilometers from the Chalcusha block to the Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribagh. However, nurses allegedly cited low hemoglobin levels and declared the fetus non-viable.
Despite the setback, Vinod Saw took his wife to a private hospital in the district. There, Manisha gave birth to a healthy baby. Vinod Saw expressed gratitude to the doctors at St. Columba Mission Hospital for the safe delivery.
Following the public attention on the case, Hazaribagh’s Deputy Commissioner, Shashi Prakash Singh, ordered an investigation on Friday, directing the Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital Superintendent to establish a committee to probe the events. The Deputy Commissioner stated, ‘Government hospitals should offer better, more affordable treatment, but care was denied here. I have instructed the hospital administration to set up an inquiry committee.’
Dr. Praveen Kumar, the private hospital owner, reported that post-admission tests on Manisha were satisfactory. Subsequently, she gave birth to a healthy baby. ‘Both the mother and newborn are doing well,’ he confirmed.