A deeply disturbing incident has emerged from Kalimela Community Health Center in Malkangiri district, where a pregnant woman gave birth inside a toilet due to alleged negligence by hospital staff.
The woman, a resident of Nalagunti village, was admitted on Monday morning for delivery. Despite experiencing severe labor pain, she was left unattended and forced to reach the toilet area on her own, where she delivered a baby boy without any medical support.
Eyewitnesses say that another patient’s relative discovered the woman and her newborn in the toilet and helped rescue them. The incident has sparked outrage, with locals questioning the accountability of the health center’s staff.
Reports indicate that the center has only one gynecologist, who also serves as the in-charge officer and is frequently absent—even during emergencies. Complaints suggest that patients often face serious difficulties due to staff shortages and lack of attention.
When contacted, Medical Officer Dinabandhu Mahanandia dismissed the incident as “natural” and denied any negligence, despite mounting criticism.
