Caught on cam: ASHA worker seen accepting bribe in Odisha CHC after delivery

A bribery scandal has rocked the Kantabanji Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bolangir district after a video emerged allegedly showing an ASHA worker accepting money from a patient’s family.

According to reports, the incident took place in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) building of the CHC, where a woman had delivered a baby boy. 

The ASHA worker, identified as Gauri Bag of Muribahal village under Turikela block’s Barbanki panchayat, was allegedly caught on a hidden camera accepting Rs 1,800 from the family, sources said. 

Sources claimed the money was collected from the woman, identified as Man Jagat, as an illegal gratification after childbirth. The video also purportedly records the ASHA worker explaining how the amount collected is distributed among hospital staff—from doctors to sweepers.

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The incident has sparked outrage as it highlights the exploitation of vulnerable families, particularly in maternal healthcare facilities. Locals allege that such practices are widespread, with patients often forced to pay despite government assurances of free maternal and child health services.

However, the accused ASHA worker could not be reached for comment. Senior medical authorities have also not issued any statement regarding the incident.