'We called several times, waited for hours': Woman gives birth to baby in e-rickshaw after ambulance fails to arrive in Jharkhand

DUMKA: A pregnant woman from Belari village in Godda district delivered a baby boy inside an e-rickshaw on Sunday after repeated calls to ambulance services allegedly went unanswered.The incident occurred near Nonmoti village under Bhatdiha panchayat, highlighting gaps in rural healthcare access. Rukmini Devi, in her mid-twenties and wife of Kaushal Harijan, went into labour early in the morning. Her family said they repeatedly dialled the 108 ambulance and Mamta Vahan services to take her to Godda Sadar Hospital, about 8 km from their home.“We called several times and waited for hours, but no ambulance arrived,” Kaushal said. Unable to arrange a private vehicle, the family hired an e-rickshaw. However, Rukmini’s condition worsened midway and she delivered a baby boy near Nonmoti village, around 4 km from the hospital.With the help of bystanders, the mother and newborn were later taken to the Sadar hospital, where doctors admitted them to the labour ward. Both were reported to be stable. Sadar hospital deputy superintendent Dr T S Jha said the matter fell under the Dial 108 ambulance service. “I am not aware of the details. An inquiry will be conducted if a written complaint is received,” he said. Meanwhile, the family criticised the health department, alleging failure of ambulance services. “The government talks about free ambulance schemes, but when we needed it most, none came,” Kaushal said. Repeated calls to civil surgeon went unanswered.