Woman Makes History by Assisting in Autopsies Amid Hospital Staff Scandal in Jharkhand
In an unprecedented development at Chatra Sadar Hospital in Jharkhand, a 33-year-old woman stepped forward to assist in post-mortem examinations on Tuesday after the hospital's sole designated worker was suspended amid allegations of demanding bribes. This remarkable intervention occurred when the regular worker, Sukhdev Ram, could not be located following serious accusations against him.
Allegations Against Regular Worker Prompt Emergency Response
The situation unfolded after hospital management received complaints that Sukhdev Ram had allegedly demanded Rs 5,000 from a grieving family to perform an autopsy. Acting swiftly on these allegations, authorities barred Ram from duty. When the body of Rajesh Sharma, who died in an accident, arrived at the hospital on Tuesday, Ram was nowhere to be found, creating an urgent staffing crisis.
With no other trained personnel available to handle the sensitive post-mortem procedures, civil surgeon Dr. Satyendra Kumar Singh made an emergency decision. He recalled Mamta Devi, a resident of Bind mohalla who had recently applied for employment at the hospital, citing over 15 years of experience working as a nurse in private facilities.
Mamta Devi's Remarkable Performance Under Pressure
Mamta Devi responded immediately to the summons, reaching the Sadar hospital within minutes of being called. She first assisted doctors in performing the autopsy of Rajesh Sharma. Within just one hour, she helped conduct another post-mortem examination on a body brought from Lawalong, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and composure under challenging circumstances.
Deputy superintendent of Sadar hospital, Dr. Pankaj Kumar, praised Mamta's performance, stating she performed her tasks efficiently under medical supervision. "She showed confidence and skill," he said, adding that the hospital administration is moving to formally engage her as an outsourced worker within the next few days.
Breaking Gender Barriers in Medical Field
Hospital officials confirmed that Mamta Devi is reportedly the first woman in Jharkhand to take up such work, marking a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in the medical field. Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of this development, noting that "Mamta showed exemplary courage and efficiency in a challenging situation. She is reportedly the first woman in the state to take up such a role, proving that women can excel even in the most demanding fields."
Mamta's dedication to healthcare service was already established during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she provided selfless service as a health worker. This background made her a natural choice for Dr. Singh when the emergency arose.
Official Response and Investigation Launched
In response to the allegations against the regular worker, Chatra deputy commissioner Ravi Anand has constituted a four-member committee to investigate the alleged cash transaction for conducting post-mortem examinations. This formal inquiry aims to address the serious allegations of corruption that prompted the staffing crisis.
Mamta Devi expressed her satisfaction at getting the opportunity to serve in this capacity. "If a homemaker can efficiently manage all household work, she can also handle other challenges effectively," she said. "I want everybody's support to give my best."
This incident highlights both the challenges facing healthcare systems in some regions and the potential for dedicated individuals to step forward during crises. Mamta's quick response and professional performance have not only resolved an immediate problem but have also opened doors for greater gender diversity in medical roles traditionally dominated by men.
