Umerkote: Villagers of Badabasini village under Umarkote block in Nabarangpur district staged a road blockade Monday to protest the death of a pregnant ASHA, alleging medical negligence.
The victim, Dayamati Bhatra, was critically ill after experiencing labour Sunday afternoon and died while being transferred to the district headquarters hospital in Nabarangpur.
According to family members, Dayamati was first admitted to the Umarkote sub-divisional hospital around 3pm, where she received treatment for three hours before doctors advised to shift her as her condition worsened. She passed away en route to the district headquarters hospital. Her body was carried back to Badabasini village at night.
Over 100 villagers and local health workers marched 5km Monday morning carrying her body on a bier in a protest procession, demanding accountability and compensation.
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Protesters demanded strict action against the attending doctor, Sagarika Swain, and demanded compensation from the state and Central governments. Following instructions from the District Collector, Umerkote Municipal
Executive Officer Alok Kumar Anugulia, Additional Tehsildar Nilambar Pujari, police station in-charge Ramakant Sae, SIs Shibaji Prasad Panda, and Akshay Mishra visited the site and held discussions with the protesters.
Authorities said an inquiry will be conducted into the incident and strict action will be taken against the doctor if negligence is established. The state government will be formally requested to provide compensation, with Rs 10,000 from the Red Cross fund and a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000 under the Batsalya scheme for the deceased’s daughter. Following these written assurances, protesters ended their four-hour road blockade, and normal traffic resumed. Dayamati was cremated at Badabasini village crematorium.
Meanwhile, Dr Sagarika Swain strongly denied any negligence. She stated that Dayamati experienced labour from Saturday and was brought to Umerkote hospital Sunday in a severe condition with bleeding. She was examined immediately upon arrival.
Due to heavy bleeding and the onset of labour complications, she was referred to Nabarangpur district headquarters hospital for further treatment. Dr Swain maintained that no negligence occurred during her care.
PNN