A 30-year-old woman gave birth in an auto rickshaw after being denied admission to a district hospital in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, due to the absence of an anesthetist. Both mother and baby were later admitted to the hospital and are in stable condition.
A district official has initiated an inquiry into the incident, promising action if negligence is found.
Dinesh Silavat, a resident of Rajasthan's Chittorgarh district, had been living in Neemuch for a few days, working as a blanket seller. His wife, Rajni, began experiencing labor pains around 2:30 pm on Wednesday. He took her to the district hospital in an auto rickshaw, but hospital staff advised them to go to Udaipur, Rajasthan, instead.
"Despite my repeated pleas, the hospital staff refused to admit her, insisting we leave," Silavat said. "As we exited the hospital around 4 pm, my wife gave birth in the auto-rickshaw."
Silavat recounted that kind-hearted bystanders provided sheets for privacy during the delivery. When the hospital staff learned of the birth, they finally admitted Rajni and the newborn.
Dr. Lad Dhakad, head of the maternity department, explained that the anesthetist was on leave, preventing cesarean deliveries. He also noted a shortage of doctors for regular duties.
"My duty ended at 2 o'clock. The woman arrived after my shift. When informed by the staff, I examined her and noted her high blood pressure. We advised her family to take her to a larger hospital due to the risks, but they stayed. We do not admit patients with such severe conditions to avoid potential complications," Dr. Dhakad stated.
