Dalit mother denied hospital care in UP, gives birth on roadside and staff face penalties
A 20-year-old Dalit woman from the Musahar community was turned away from a government hospital in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, and delivered her baby on the roadside. Several hospital officials were later dismissed or sanctioned.
Rani, a 20-year-old from the Dalit Musahar community, was taken to Maharaja Chet Singh District Hospital in Gyanpur, Bhadohi, after labor began. Hospital personnel reportedly denied her entry upon learning her caste, and she was forced to deliver her child on the roadside as her health worsened. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who oversees health, intervened after a video of the episode spread online.
An internal four-member panel investigated, resulting in the termination of EMO Dr Pankaj, the transfer of staff nurse Neelam Maurya, and salary withholding for obstetrician Dr Mukesh Prajapati. Recommendations were also made for action against CMS Dr Ajay Tiwari and Dr Neelima Dhawan, who were found negligent in handling the case.
Why it matters
The case highlights persistent caste-based discrimination in public healthcare and prompted government action against officials.
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