Tragedy Strikes in Haveri Government Hospital
A devastating incident at the District Government Hospital in Haveri, Karnataka, has raised serious questions about healthcare infrastructure and medical negligence. A newborn baby died on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, after the mother delivered while walking to the toilet in a hospital corridor, allegedly after being denied immediate medical attention due to overcrowding.
Chronology of a Preventable Tragedy
The victim, Roopa Girish Karabannanavar, a 30-year-old from Kakola village in Ranebennur taluk, was admitted to the hospital experiencing severe labour pain. According to her family members, the labour ward in the women and children's wing was overcrowded, and she was refused a bed. Roopa was allegedly forced to sit on the floor outside the delivery room while experiencing intense contractions.
With no medical staff attending to her despite repeated pleas from her family, Roopa attempted to reach the toilet. It was during this walk through the hospital pathway that she unexpectedly went into full labour. The unattended delivery resulted in the newborn falling onto the hard floor, causing instant death.
Family's Anguish and Official Response
The family has filed a formal complaint against the hospital staff, holding them entirely responsible for the infant's death. "She was in distress and pain, but none of the hospital staff, including doctors and nurses, cared to look at her," a family member told the media. "We begged them to address her situation, but they were busy on their mobile phones. They could have saved the child."
In contrast, District Hospital Surgeon Dr P R Havanur presented a different version of events. He claimed there was no prima facie medical negligence and stated he would investigate the matter. Dr Havanur provided a detailed timeline, noting that Roopa arrived at the hospital at 10:27 AM and was taken inside the ward by 10:36 AM.
He revealed critical medical details: "Her blood pressure was 160/100 and she was eight months pregnant. She complained that the foetus had not been moving since Monday, which was the reason she came to the hospital. We suspect that the baby had died before the delivery." The surgeon added that he had reviewed CCTV footage which showed Roopa leaving the ward at 11:07 AM.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This tragic incident highlights the persistent challenges of overcrowding and resource constraints in government hospitals, particularly in maternal and childcare wards. It raises urgent questions about patient triage protocols and emergency response mechanisms in public healthcare facilities.
Dr Havanur has stated that he has instructed the staff to address problems immediately and will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic outcome. The case has sparked outrage and calls for accountability in Karnataka's public health system.
