Gujarat: Told to go home, woman gives birth in open near Dahod PHC

VADODARA: The Dahod district development officer (DDO) has ordered an inquiry after a pregnant woman, who had approached the Bhatiwada primary health centre (PHC), delivered a baby near the facility.
It had come to light that she was allowed to go even when she was having labour pain. The incident happened on Wednesday morning when a woman, Sharda Bhuriya, came to the PHC as she was having labour pain. Those present at the centre examined her, but allowed her to go home which was nearby.
However, Bhuriya delivered a baby near the health centre itself. The incident came to the notice of DDO Neha Kumari, who asked senior health officials to look into it. Officials visited the health centre where the woman was admitted along with the child after delivery.
Suspecting negligence in the matter, the DDO ordered an inquiry and asked the chief district health officer (CDHO) to transfer the staff at the PHC who were responsible for the delivery in the open. CDHO Dr D R Patel said that three people of the health centre were transferred in line with the orders.
An official said that in the rural areas, many pregnant women often come to the hospital at a very late stage, giving little time to those managing the delivery. The official added that in this case something similar had happened and the woman was allowed to go home despite her condition. Sources said that the woman stayed near the PHC and hence the decision of allowing her to go may have been taken.
Further action will be taken based on the inquiry report regarding. The condition of the mother and child is said to be healthy and they were kept at the PHC on Thursday too, sources said.