Nurses demand Rs 5000 bribe for delivery of newborn in govt hospital in Odisha; action assured

Despite repeated warnings, nurses of a government hospital in Odisha’s Angul district have been accused of demanding Rs 5,000 for the delivery of a newborn. Irony, the newborn’s father, hailing from a poor family, had to borrow the money and give it to the nurses.

The shocking incident has been reported from Khamar Community Health Centre (CHC) under Pallahara block in Angul district.

According to sources, Rita Sahoo of a nearby village was admitted to the CHC after she experienced labor. However, nurses at the CHC demanded Rs 5,000 for the delivery of the baby. With no money, Rita’s husband Pratap Sahoo had to borrow it from a shopkeeper.

“My wife was due and I had admitted her to the hospital here. However, the nurses demanded Rs 5,000 for the delivery of our baby. I had no money, so I borrowed the money from a shopkeeper and gave it to them. However, after my complaint, they returned the money,” alleged Pratap.

When contacted, Sasikant Behera, Khamar health centre medical officer said, “I have been made aware of the incident. I have also seen a video of them taking the money. We will launch an enquiry and take necessary action against the nurses.”