There are numerous schemes for the poor in the state, but is the implementation up-to-the-mark? While the BJD-led Odisha government continues to boast of adequate healthcare facilities in the rural belt, the ground reality tells a different tale. Patients, especially the pregnant women continue to bear the brunt of poor road connectivity.
When Laxmi Munda of Arjunchuan village under Lahunipada block in Sundargarh experienced labour pain Wednesday evening, her family members immediately called 108 ambulance services. The ambulance arrived, but it had to be stationed some 3kms away from her village due to lack of motorable roads in the area. With no other alternative left, villagers arranged a cot and carried Laxmi on it till the ambulance.
She was rushed to Lahunipada hospital but as her condition deteriorated she was again shifted to Rourkela hospital. Laxmi gave birth to a baby boy there, but the newborn died moments later due to some complications. Locals said a precious life could have been saved, had there been a proper motorable road leading to the village.
Laxmi’s husband Rameswar Munda alleged medical negligence following death of child. "After she showed symptoms of fever, she was carried on a cot till ambulance. At Lahunipada hospital, doctors referred her to Rourkela. The child died after an hour of birth. We had come to the hospital earlier twice. It is because of medical negligence that the child could not be saved," alleged Rameswar.