MATERNAL DEATH IN BHADRAK HOSPITAL

Notwithstanding persistent advocacy involving Service Providers fraternity to ensure life and safety of mothers during pregnancy, child birth and after birth, the recent tragic death of Manasi Mandal W/o Purna Chandra Mandal of Village Bada Asura, G.P. Rahanja in Bhadrak District of Orissa on 23/03/10 has different story to tell. The deceased mother gave birth to a girl child at 9.30 PM in the Distrct Hospital of Bhadrak through caesarian and succumbed to severe abdominal pain. The doctor declared her dead at 4AM. This macabre incident had nonplussed many in the city and led to widespread public resentment. Fearing public reprisal the Head of the District Hospital (Chief District Medical Officer) had called on the police into the Hospital premises, who on their part arrested the deceased’s husband and two of his relatives, whereas no action was taken against the erring Doctor.

If we are to believe in the Verbal Autopsy carried out by the White Ribbon Alliance Block Coordinator Mr. Sambit Sahoo, the death was due to utter negligence of Gynecologist, who conducted caesarian operation in Govt. hospital in return of money and avariciousness of lady nurse who was head bent in demanding more and more money to render timely services. Delay in payment to lady nurse had caused mother’s death. All through 9.30 PM to 4AM Manasi Mandal was writhing in pain and there was no one to look after her. Her husband was running helter –skelter imploring service providers to attend his wife but no one paid heed. As a result, we missed a chance to safe a life of a mother. 

The White Ribbon Alliance of Bhadrak District chapter had immediately summoned a meeting of its Media Partners to brainstorm with Block coordinators of WRA on strategies, steps and strong ideas to expand and sustain constructive reporting on Safe Motherhood. Unlike more sensational diseases, media “pegs” for maternal death are scarce; maternal death also faces public apathy, lack of awareness and limited access to services. It is observed that communication channels from technical and online sources to easily and locally accessible platforms were needed to sustain a constant stream of reporting, and that the reporting itself should shift from “scoops” to coverage that prioritizes a real collaborative contribution.

Dr.Jalaluddin Khan

Dist.Coordinator-WRA

Director-ICDA

www.icda.org.in