No ambulance service available while waiting, mother gives birth on the road
**Kaksha:** Allegations of not receiving government ambulance service during an emergency. After repeatedly calling for an ambulance and not getting one, a mother in labor ultimately hires a private vehicle to head to the hospital. However, she gives birth on the road before reaching the hospital. This shocking incident occurred in the Trilokchandrapur area of West Bardhaman's Kaksha.
According to local and family sources, there is a government ambulance service available to transport expectant mothers to the hospital for free. On Friday morning, Akash Bagdi's wife, a resident of Trilokchandrapur, began experiencing labor pains. The family called the ambulance number provided on the government card multiple times.
The family alleges that despite calling, they did not receive the government ambulance service. They claim they were informed that service could not be provided due to 'Vishwakarma Puja'. Additionally, the drivers allegedly stated that an ambulance would not be provided unless at least one thousand rupees was paid.
As the situation became increasingly complicated, the mother’s husband was ultimately forced to spend extra money to hire a private ambulance. However, before reaching the hospital, the woman gave birth in the middle of the road.
After that, both the mother and the newborn were quickly taken to the Panagarh Block Primary Health Center. There, doctors admitted them and began treatment promptly.
The incident has sparked anger from the mother’s husband, Akash Bagdi. He alleges that despite calling the number on the government card multiple times, no help was received. He claims they were misled with excuses of the puja and money. He has filed a written complaint regarding the incident with the hospital authorities and has drawn the attention of the Chief Minister and the opposition leader, Shuvendu Adhikari.
On the other hand, hospital sources have confirmed that both the mother and the newborn are currently healthy. Dr. Rathin Mukherjee from the Panagarh Block Primary Health Center stated that after receiving news of the birth on the road, the mother and child were brought to the hospital, and treatment was initiated promptly. Currently, both are out of danger.
This allegation regarding the government ambulance service has created anger in the area. There are demands to investigate the actual cause of the incident and why the ambulance service was not provided based on the family's complaints.
