Woman Gives Birth Outside Jaipur Hospital, Inquiry Ordered

The woman was turned away from Jaipuria hospital after doctors said she was not likely to go into labour that night.

A woman gave birth outside a state-run hospital in Jaipur late on 29 July, prompting the government to order an inquiry.

Ashoka Bai, a woman who was suffering from labour pain, was brought to the Jaipuria hospital in the city by her family members, but the doctor on duty refused to admit her. The family was informed that the woman was not likely to go into labour that night.

The family members took the women outside the hospital, where she gave birth to a child.

On being alerted, the police reached the spot. The woman and the newborn were later admitted to another hospital at Sanganer.

The state health minister has ordered an inquiry into the matter and asked the chief medical and health officer of the district to submit a report in this regard. 

Meanwhile, the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), a human rights organisation, demanded action against the doctor and nursing staff responsible for the incident.

A criminal case against the doctor and nursing staff should be lodged and they must be sacked. The woman should also be given a compensation of Rs 5 lakh.

Kavita Srivastava, PUCL General Secretary 

She added that they would take the matter to the state human rights commission.

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