Mainpuri: Newborn dies after being held by nurse for refusing bribe of Rs 5,100

After the birth, the on-duty staff nurse, identified as Jyoti, allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,100 for the delivery. When family refused to pay, the nurse reportedly took the newborn away and placed him on a table, keeping him from his family for approximately 40 minutes.

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Edited By: Sonia Dham
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Newborn child (Representative Image) (wikimediacommons)

Authorities in Mainpuri have initiated an investigation following the tragic death of a newborn, reportedly due to negligence at the Karhal Community Health Center (CHC). The incident, which occurred on September 19, has raised serious concerns about the standards of care in the facility.

According to the complaint filed by Dharmendra, the father of the newborn, his wife, Sanjali, was admitted to Karhal CHC for delivery. After the birth, the on-duty staff nurse, identified as Jyoti, allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,100 for the delivery. When Dharmendra refused to pay, the nurse reportedly took the newborn away and placed him on a table, keeping him from his family for approximately 40 minutes.

During this time, the child's condition deteriorated significantly. It wasn't until Dharmendra complied with the nurse's demands that he was allowed to see his child again. Unfortunately, by that point, the newborn had become critically ill and was later referred to Saifai Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Medical staff at Saifai indicated that the newborn had not received adequate treatment during delivery.

The complaint also alleges that the nurse and another staff member, Asha, misled Dharmendra and threatened him and his family for pursuing the matter. The emotional distress experienced by the family has been compounded by these threats.

Immediate actions taken

In response to the incident, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) RC Gupta has taken the matter seriously, forming a three-member investigation team that includes two Deputy CMOs and a District Program Manager. This team has been tasked with reporting back within four days. Gupta has assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence in this case, emphasizing that all medical staff must ensure such incidents do not recur.

Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak has also addressed the situation, confirming that he is aware of the allegations and has instructed a thorough investigation into the negligence at the Karhal Health Center. A report from the investigation team is expected within a week, and appropriate actions will follow according to the findings.

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for reforms in healthcare practices and the enforcement of ethical standards in medical facilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.