A pregnant woman in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district was carried on a cot for two kilometers after an ambulance failed to reach her village due to poor road conditions.
The incident occurred in Siragudapada village under Papadahandi block. On Sunday evening, Sridevi Gouda, nine months pregnant, experienced labor pain. Her family contacted the local ASHA worker, who immediately called for an ambulance. The vehicle left from the nearest medical center but got stuck two kilometers before the village because of a muddy, unpaved road.
With no other option, the family carried Sridevi on a cot through the slushy path to reach the ambulance. She was then taken to the district hospital in Nabarangpur for treatment. The delay could have endangered both mother and child.
Locals say the road between Kangamajhiguda and Shiraguda remains incomplete despite repeated requests. The lack of basic infrastructure continues to affect emergency services, especially for pregnant women and the elderly.
According to district data, over 275 villages in Nabarangpur still lack proper road access. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of rural development initiatives and the accountability of local representatives.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding immediate road construction and better healthcare access. They believe no woman should have to endure such hardship during childbirth.
This case underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure in remote regions. When an ambulance fails to reach those in need, it’s not just a logistical failure—it’s a matter of life and dignity.
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