Sambalpur: Even as the state government pumps in crores of rupees to ensure safe maternity, benefits do not reach people in the district thanks to lack of infrastructure.
Institutional delivery eluded a woman as there is no road to her village at Kudagunderpur under Dhanakauda block of the district. Failing to avail ambulance service, Bilasini Bhosagar (20) had to deliver her baby inside an auto-rickshaw on her way to hospital Wednesday.
Bilasini developed labour pain late Tuesday night. She could neither get the much-touted free-ambulance service nor any other vehicle to take her to a hospital as her village is surrounded by river Mahanadi. She endured the pain while waiting through the night till her relatives boarded her in a country boat to Tulasi Ghat. At the Ghat, they hired an auto-rickshaw to move to VSS Medical College and Hospital at Burla. However, on the way, Bilasini delivered a baby in the vehicle itself.
Her ordeal did not end here. She was admitted to the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department but did not get a bed. She was being treated with her newborn on the hospital’s floor. Both mother and the newborn are in fine fettle.
A few months ago, a woman identified as Mohini Bhosagar of the same village had delivered a baby on a boat while she was on her way to a hospital. After reaching the Ghat when they called the 108-ambulance, the vehicle did not turn up. Finding no other option, they hired another vehicle to move to the hospital. The baby, however, died on the way.
Residents alleged they have been demanding a bridge to connect the village with the main land, but in vain. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for a bridge at Tulandi Ghat in February, 2014. However, no progress has been made in this regard even though over two years have passed since then. PNN
