Palghar (Maharashtra): On one hand the whole country International Women’s Day But while it is making tall claims of women empowerment and celebrating women power, a picture that puts the system to shame has emerged from Palghar, a tribal dominated district of Maharashtra. A pregnant tribal woman had to wander from hospital to hospital for three hours for delivery. An investigation has been ordered into the matter.
Shobha Machi, an Anganwadi worker from Wadkun, received a call at midnight regarding the delivery of a pregnant woman from the same village. She immediately took him to Cottage Hospital in Dahanu. But there they were told that normal delivery would not be possible, so they should immediately take the woman to another hospital. When he asked for an ambulance, he was told that it would take two to three hours for the ambulance to arrive. Under compulsion, Shobha Machi ran towards private hospitals with the woman. During this time, due to lack of treatment, the woman continued to suffer for three hours.
“Information has been received that when the woman was admitted to Dahanu Cottage Hospital, the gynecologist appointed on contract was not available there. A report in this regard has been sought from the hospital superintendent. Why the doctor refused to come even when called, we have sought an explanation from him and appropriate action will be taken against the person concerned.” Dr. Ramdas Marad, District Surgeon, Palghar
BJP MLA Chitra Wagh ‘ETV Bharat’ Speaking to PTI, she said, “I have received information about this serious case in Dahanu sub-district hospital from you people. Refusing delivery to a pregnant woman is a very serious thing. I have contacted the district surgeon and got the information. I will immediately discuss with the Health Minister about the health facilities of Palghar district and such serious incidents.”
“Due to lack of timely doctors and facilities, poor people are forced to go to private hospitals. But from where will a poor person get the fifty thousand to one lakh rupees required for treatment in a private hospital? If this situation does not change, such incidents will keep happening again and again and women will have to bear the brunt of it.” –Shobha Machi, Anganwadi worker, Vadakun
