Rayagada: In a distressing incident, an expectant mother delivered a stillborn baby after being carried on a makeshift sling to reach an ambulance in Sijimali region in Odisha's Rayagada district. The 35-year-old pregnant woman, who hails from Malipadar village under Sunger panchayat, was transported on the improvised stretcher for nearly five kilometres to reach the emergency vehicle. She was later taken to Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital, where she delivered a stillborn baby.

As per reports, Suku Majhi (35), wife of Arjun Majhi, went into labour on Sunday night. Upon receiving the information, an ASHA worker called an ambulance. However, as the village lacks road connectivity, the ambulance could reach only as far as the vicinity of Aliguna village. With no other option, family members carried Majhi, wrapped securely in a bedsheet, through the hilly terrain to reach the ambulance. Ambulance driver Deepak Gopal also assisted in the effort.

Woman taken to DHH from CHC in critical condition

Sources said the woman was taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kashipur as no doctor was available at the nearby Sungeri Primary Health Centre (PHC). But given her critical condition, she was subsequently referred to the Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital where she delivered a stillborn baby.

The incident has once again underscored the grave consequences that inadequate road connectivity and gaps in healthcare access can have for pregnant women in remote areas.