Woman delivers in auto as PHC turns her away, probe ordered

The Health Department on Monday launched an inquiry against the PHC for refusing to admit the woman. “All PHC’s have been issued instructions to admit pregnant women for treatment and deliveries. An inquiry will be carried out as to why the woman was turned away and prompt action will be initiated against the PHC,” said an official.

On Saturday night, Jothikumari, 20, wife of Gautham, a daily wager from Rakkipalayam near Narasimmanaickenpalayam, hailing from Bihar had developed labour pain.

The expectant mother was rushed to PHC in Thudiyalur. Citing non-availability of doctors, the nurse there asked the couple to go to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for delivery. Then, the woman was taken to a private hospital in the neighbourhood, where too she was refused admission without a COVID-19 free certificate.

Left with no option, the couple called up 108 ambulances to go to CMCH and waited in the auto near Thoppampattipirivu. Suddenly, she developed extreme pain and delivered a girl in the auto itself.

The woman with her umbilical cord intact was immediately taken to another nearby private hospital, where she was admitted for treatment. Both the mother and the baby are said to be in normal condition.