Haryana rights body seeks reports on woman delivering baby outside Faridabad hospital

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Chandigarh, May 29

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has sought detailed reports from health authorities after allegations surfaced that a woman delivered a baby under torchlight in the open parking area outside a government primary health centre in Sector 3, Ballabhgarh. The Commission has treated the matter as a serious issue involving human dignity, the right to life, and access to emergency healthcare services.

Taking cognizance of the allegations, the Commission, headed by Justice Lalit Batra, directed the concerned authorities to submit comprehensive reports on the incident. The action follows a complaint and media reports claiming that a pregnant woman in labor was forced to give birth outside the hospital premises after allegedly being denied timely medical assistance.

According to material placed before the Commission, the woman was taken to the government hospital in Ballabhgarh on the intervening night of May 15 and 16. It was alleged that her family found the hospital’s main gate closed and could not access immediate emergency medical care. Despite repeated attempts to seek assistance, no timely treatment was reportedly provided, prompting attendants to deliver the baby in the hospital’s parking lot.

The Commission noted that the allegations point towards possible medical negligence and administrative lapses. Reports further claimed that the delivery and related procedures were carried out under torchlight and in public view, while family members were forced to arrange a wheelchair and wait for hospital staff to arrive.

In its observations, the Commission said that if the allegations are established, they raise serious concerns regarding the accessibility and availability of emergency maternal healthcare services in government hospitals. It was also observed that the incident appears to be contrary to the objectives of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, which provides free, cashless delivery services in public healthcare institutions.

The rights body has directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, to furnish details on the policy framework for round-the-clock emergency maternal healthcare, the actions taken after the incident, and the measures proposed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The Director General of Health Services has been asked to provide information on the availability of doctors, nursing staff, and paramedical personnel during emergency and night hours at the concerned facility. The Commission has also sought details on whether emergency obstetric care protocols were followed and whether any inquiry or disciplinary action has been initiated.

Additionally, the Civil Surgeon, Faridabad, has been directed to explain why the woman was allegedly deprived of benefits under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and why compensation should not be considered for the reported violation of her dignity and rights.

The Commission has instructed all concerned authorities to submit their reports at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for August 19. The findings are expected to determine accountability and assess whether corrective measures are required to strengthen emergency maternal healthcare services in government hospitals across the state.