Ballia Tragedy: Woman Dies During C-Section at Unauthorized Hospital, Fake Doctors on the Run
In a shocking incident that exposes glaring gaps in healthcare regulation, a 26-year-old woman died during a Caesarean delivery performed by an unqualified health worker at an unauthorized private hospital in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The tragic event occurred on February 23, leading to immediate police action and the sealing of the facility.
Hospital Sealed, Staff Absconding After Police Probe
Following a swift investigation, authorities sealed the unauthorized private hospital located in the Shakeel Katra area of Ballia. All staff members, who were masquerading as qualified doctors, have fled and are currently absconding. The woman's body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, as confirmed by Ballia Circle Officer (Bairia) Mohammad Faheem Ansari.
Chief Medical Officer in charge Dr. Vijay Yadav and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Bairiya) A.P. Singh stated that the unauthorized hospital was sealed promptly. Additionally, the role of an ASHA worker, who directed the pregnant woman to this private hospital for delivery, is under intense scrutiny as part of the ongoing probe.
Heartbreaking Details of the Incident Emerge
The victim, identified as Mamta Devi (26), was a resident of Rampur Bajidpur in the Dokati area. Her husband, Mithilesh, had sent her to her maternal home in Sonbarsa for her first delivery, a common practice in many Indian families. According to Mamta's mother, Chandrawati, on the advice of an ASHA worker, Mamta was admitted to the hospital on the evening of February 22.
The following day, a Caesarean section operation was performed by a female staff member at the facility. While Mamta successfully delivered a healthy baby, the surgery took a tragic turn when she began bleeding profusely. The hospital staff then demanded Rs 50,000 before discharging her to be taken to a higher medical centre for emergency care.
Before Chandrawati could arrange the money, Mamta succumbed to her injuries, leaving the family devastated. This demand for payment in a life-threatening situation has added to the outrage surrounding the case.
Legal Action Initiated Against Hospital Personnel
Based on a formal complaint filed by Chandrawati, the police have registered a named First Information Report (FIR) against seven individuals along with unidentified persons associated with the hospital. They face serious charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to track down the absconding staff and uncover the full extent of negligence and malpractice at the unauthorized hospital. This incident highlights critical issues in rural healthcare access and the dangers posed by unregulated medical facilities.
