A 28-year-old pregnant woman tragically lost her life at Nuapada Hospital on Wednesday night, prompting serious allegations of medical negligence and sparking public anger.
According to reports, the deceased, identified as Lakshmibetka from Jogendranathpur village under Kodoguda Panchayat in Bargarh district, was brought to the health centre by her husband Rajesh Bhoi around 11 PM after she complained of severe abdominal pain. However, no doctor was reportedly present at the facility during the night shift.
The delivery procedure was allegedly delayed and carried out under the supervision of nursing staff, during which Lakshmibetka is said to have endured extreme pain. Rajesh claimed that nurses administered saline and oxygen but also applied pressure to her abdomen in a forceful manner, causing greater distress. By Thursday morning, around 8:30 AM, she was referred to Bhima Bhoi Hospital in Balangir, but unfortunately died en route.
Shockingly, the family was later seen carrying the woman’s body back to their village due to delays in the post-mortem and lack of proper transportation, drawing public and media attention.
Blaming the district health system, the family refused the post-mortem initially, accusing medical staff and police of negligence. Following intervention and persuasion, the body was later transported in a hired vehicle to her native village.
District residents and health activists have raised concerns over the lack of doctors, poor maternal care infrastructure, and rising maternal fatalities at the Nuapada facility. When questioned, ADM Lalit Mohan Bishi stated that the woman was already in serious condition before reaching the hospital, and denied departmental fault.
The incident has highlighted urgent gaps in rural healthcare and has triggered calls for accountability and immediate systemic reform.
