The National Commission for Women has sought a report and demanded action over the botched-up delivery at the Mumbai civic hospital that claimed the lives of the mother and the child. The NCW has written to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra Public Healthcare Department to send it a detailed report on the incident.
"NCW is shocked by this tragic incident where a mother and child lost their life in hospital. Allegations of the hospital's reliance on a cell phone torch for a caesarian delivery due to a power outage, and the subsequent loss of life, are deeply concerning. This occurrence, in the nation's financial capital highlights serious issues in healthcare facilities in the state that demand immediate attention," the panel wrote in an X post.
The panel further stated: "The Commission strongly urges a thorough investigation into the matter. Hon’ble chairperson has sent a letter to Additional Chief Secretary, Public Healthcare Department, to send a detailed report in 3 days and take decisive action to address the underlying issues and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future."
What Happened At The BMC Hospital?
A pregnant woman was admitted to the Sushma Swaraj maternity home run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the richest civic body in the country. However, on April 29 there was no power and the backup generator was allegedly not turned on by the hospital authorities.
According to news website NDTV, The family of the woman alleged that she was taken in for a caesarian operation around 7 AM,. She was kept at the hospital the entire day during which the family was told that she was fine. The family alleged that the delivery was conducted under the light of a cellphone torch after the lights went out. They further claimed that another delivery was carried out at the hospital in the dark even after the incident.