COVID-19 Stigma In Odisha: Newborn Dies, Mother Critical As Doctor Fails To Turn Up

Kandhamal: It seems repeated exhortations by the government to curb COVID-19 stigma haven't had much impact on the society as the social evil is still quite prevalent in many parts of Odisha. In another appalling instance of inhumanity, a doctor allegedly did not turn up to treat a pregnant woman fearing coronavirus contamination which later resulted in the death of the newborn.

The incident has been reported from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district.

After one Jasmine Pradhan of Padanketa area complained of labour pain, family members rushed her to Daringbadi hospital for treatment. When the woman's health condition deteriorated, her relatives called the doctor on duty. However, the doctor did not turn up fearing COVID-19 infection, alleged her family.

Few hours later, Jasmine delivered a baby girl who died without any medical assistance, they alleged.

“The doctor asked to conduct COVID-19 test of my daughter. Even after we produced the test reports, the doctor did not turn up to treat her. My daughter delivered a girl child, but unfortunately the baby died 10-15 minutes after the delivery,” alleged Bhagyalata Mallick, Jasmine’s mother.

Comments from the concerned doctor or health officials are yet to be obtained. The story will be updated once we get their reaction.

(Edited By Devbrat Patnaik)

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