Denied admission, woman gives birth outside Shamli dist hosp gate

Shamli: In an alleged case of medical negligence at the district combined hospital in Shamli, a 30-year-old woman from Baghpat district gave birth to a baby boy on the roadside outside the hospital gate after staff allegedly demanded money and refused to admit her to the facility.

Kaushar Begum, a resident of Asara village in Baghpat, was brought to the hospital late Thursday evening after experiencing labour pains. She was first taken to Kandhla community health centre, from where doctors referred her to the district hospital.

Her husband, Mohammad Usman, a daily-wage labourer, said the hospital staff declined to admit her, claiming that delivery would only be possible through surgery and that her delivery date was not yet due. The family alleged that the staff demanded money for admission.

As they left the premises, Kaushar went into active labour and delivered her child on the road outside the main gate around 9pm. Local women present there arranged sheets to provide privacy during the delivery. Both the mother and the newborn are said to be stable.

The incident sparked outrage, with family members protesting outside the premises, accusing staff of negligence and bribery. They informed relatives in nearby Lilaun village, after which members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) reached the spot and recorded videos, highlighting the hospital’s alleged apathy.

Chief medical superintendent of Shamli district hospital, Dr Kishor Ahuja, described the matter as “serious” and said a team has been constituted to investigate why the woman was denied admission.

Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Anil Kumar added that an inquiry into the entire incident is underway and a report will be sent to senior officials. The woman and her newborn were later admitted to the hospital, where they are under medical care.

Meanwhile, on Friday afternoon, farmer leaders and khap panchayat representatives protested at the office of the CMO, gheraoing him and accusing the administration of inaction. The situation turned tense, prompting circle office (city) Jitendra Singh Yadav to intervene and appeal for calm. Protesters later submitted a memorandum demanding strict action in the case.
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