Nayagarh: During the distressing times of pandemic, reports of inhuman conduct & medical negligence continue to add to the woes and misery. A pregnant woman at Rajasunakhala area in Nayagarh district became the latest victim of such negligence after she had to deliver a baby girl at a bus stand on allegedly being denied treatment at a government hospital in late hours of Friday.
According to sources, the woman, a resident of Ranpur block, was rushed to Rajasunakhala Community Health Centre (CHC) after she complained of labour pain. However, a staff nurse refused to admit her suspecting COVID-19 infection, sources informed.
Left with no other option, the pregnant woman, along with her 10-year-old daughter, took shelter at a nearby bus stand, and delivered a baby girl in the wee hours of Wednesday.
“The doctor and the nurse at CHC denied her treatment fearing COVID-19 infection. Despite the woman delivered a baby at the bus stand, neither police nor health officials turned up to assist,” said Shantanu Sahu, a local.
When asked about the incident, on-duty doctor said he is not aware of the case.
“I did three deliveries on Friday. But, I don’t know about the fourth woman you are asking about,” said Amit Patnaik, the doctor at Rajasunakhala CHC.
Despite repeated exhortations from the government to shun stigma and fear of COVID19 and help the needy, reports of such social evil continue to surface.
Recently, a doctor was deprived of a dignified burial at G.Udaygiri block in Kandhamal district after locals opposed the last rites fearing COVID-19 infection.
(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)
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