Odisha: Janani Suraksha Yojana fails, newborn delivered on way to hospital dies

RAYAGADA (ODISHA): In fresh incident of gross failure of Janani Suraksha Yojana in Odisha, a newborn girl died on Tuesday soon after birth as her mother delivered on the way to hospital after ambulance failed to reach her due to lack of road connectivity. The incident occurred at Pakheru village under Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district.

Soon after the delivery, the condition of the baby deteriorated. With no other alternative, her relatives carried her in a sling and waded through waist-deep water in a canal to reach the hospital. The relatives alleged that the ambulance did not turn up even after they called for the service. Sources said the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker of Pakheru village informed the 108 and 102 ambulance over phone when the woman identified as Alame Sikaka, 25, writhed in labour pain.

However, the vehicle was not available at that time and as the woman’s condition deteriorated, her relatives carried her in a sling and covered five kilometres to reach Kalyansinghpur health centre. Unfortunately, she delivered a baby girl on the way to hospital. But, the newborn died soon after. Rayagada chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr Saroj Nayak said the woman’s family members were on August 3 offered ambulance service but they denied.

“As per our record, the woman’s expected date of delivery on August 3 and on the very day we had offered them ambulance service, but they rejected our offer. However, we are now taking best possible care of the woman,” CDMO Mr Nayak said. Several such cases have been reported from Rayagada district in the last two months. However, the district administration has not been able to extend ambulances services to the expectant mothers, mainly because of poor road connectivity.