Tragedy in Palghar: Infant Dies During Delivery Amid Controversy Over Doctor Availability at Rural Hospital

The medical professional indicated that the infant likely had a birth defect.

In Maharashtra's Palghar district, a family has claimed their newborn died during childbirth at a government medical facility due to physician absence for several hours, an accusation that hospital officials have firmly denied.

According to statements from the husband of 25-year-old Vaishali Ashok Batre, she was brought to Mokhada Rural Hospital on the morning of October 22 to give birth.

He alleged that no physician was available for approximately 12 hours, with only nursing staff present during this critical time. The husband maintains that the absence of prompt medical expertise and proper care led to their newborn's death during the delivery process.

Additional allegations suggest that the medical facility subsequently transferred the tribal woman and her deceased infant to the Khodala Primary Health Centre.

Dr. Bhausaheb Chattar, the Taluka Medical Officer, strongly refuted accusations of medical negligence. In a conversation with PTI on Friday, he confirmed that a doctor was indeed on-site at the hospital but was handling an urgent case involving a snakebite victim when the delivery occurred.

"When staff reported the newborn wasn't crying after birth, the physician immediately went to the ward but found the baby had already passed away," Dr. Chattar explained.

Referring to preliminary medical findings, he suggested the infant likely had a congenital abnormality. "There was absolutely no negligence from our medical personnel. We maintain adequate backup staff at our facility at all times," he stated.