National Lok Adalat, an expectant mother denied entry over incomplete documents

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Dec 9

In a shocking incident, today an expectant mother was allegedly denied delivery at CHC, district hospital, Kangpokpi, over incomplete documents.

Lhingjoujam Lotzem (20), wife of Kamminlal Lotzem, a resident of Laikha was rushed to the district hospital, Kangpokpi, for a delivery case at around 11 pm. But she was allegedly denied service by the nurse on duty after the documents they had brought was reported to be incomplete.

They were also informed that an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) had not accompanied along and that the pregnant mother had failed to undergo proper check-up during her pregnancy. Hence, such case cannot be accepted for delivery in the said hospital.

The sister-in-law of the expectant mother, Nengkhohoi admitted their ignorance and appealed for an appointment with a doctor, but she was denied.

Later, one of the doctors on duty examined the patient and gave an injection but still denied admission over the abovementioned factors.

The patient party having no alternate means halted the night at the hospital verandah till morning without any medical care on the part of the medical staffs and left in the morning with much disappointment.

The expectant mother reportedly delivered a baby at her sister’s residence while looking for alternative hospitals.

Speaking to media persons this afternoon at Kangpokpi, Nengkhohoi mentioned that as they stayed in the hospital verandah with the pregnant mother resting on the bench, they were hoping to get some hospitality and concern from the doctors and nurses, but none came to even inquire on them.

The family is worried about the child who has been born under such circumstance, and if any unfortunate incident befalls the child, the district hospital medical staff, particularly the doctors and nurses on duty will be held responsible, she added.

It was also reported that the nurse on duty is allegedly a substitute for another permanent nurse of the hospital and apparently many critical delivery cases as cited at CHC, Kangpokpi, had been referred to other hospitals. Mobile court was organised today at Jiribam district.