Pregnant woman going through labour not allowed to hospital by CDPO in Kendrapara, baby dies in womb

In an unfortunate incident, the baby of a pregnant clerk died in the womb due to the alleged inhumane behaviour of a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Kendrapara district. The clerk has been identified as Barsha Priyadarshini who is an employee of Women and Child Development Department of Odisha government under Derabis block in Kendrapara district.

As per the allegation by Barsha, her seven-month-old baby died in womb as CDPO Snehalata Sahoo didn’t allow her to go to the hospital for delivery when she was going through severe labour pain at the office.

As per reports, Barsha was regularly attending the office though she was pregnant for seven months. However, she went through severe labour at the office on October 25. Following the development, she pleaded before CDPO Snehalata Sahoo and other officials of the department to take her to the hospital soon.

However, as per the allegation, the CDPO didn’t allow Barsha to go to the hospital, rather she misbehaved with her. Subsequently, Barsha became seriously ill. Upon being informed, Barsha’s family members reached the office and eventually took her to a private hospital.

However, it was too late. After examining and treating Barsha, doctors found that the baby in her womb was dead. Barsha and her family members were crestfallen over the incident. Subsequently, Barsha submitted written complaints about the matter before the district Collector and the SP demanding stringent action against the CDPO.

Meanwhile, a video of the incident has gone viral over various social media platforms. In the video, Barsha was found crying while suffering from labour while the CDPO was seen arguing with one of the relatives of the victim at the office.

“It is a very inhumane incident. Every pregnant woman becomes excited for her baby. It is quite unfortunate that the pregnant lady was not allowed to go to the hospital when she was going through labour. An investigation into the incident should be launched and necessary action should be taken against the erring officials,” said social activist, Namrata Chadha.

Later in the day, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida ordered Kendrapara district Collector to conduct a probe and submit the report