Family borrows money after nurses demand bribe to deliver newborn at public hospital

Angul: In a shocking incident, a poor family’s celebration turned into a nightmare after they had to borrow money and give it to nurses at a government hospital after allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 5,000 to deliver a newborn in Angul district of Odisha.

The incident took place at the Hamar Community Health Center (CHC) under Pallahara block in the district.

According to reports, the expectant mother, identified as Rita Sahu from a nearby village, was admitted to CHC after she went into labour. But the nurses at the hospital demanded 5,000 rupees for the delivery. Helpless and with no choice, Rita’s husband Pratap was forced to comply and borrow money from the shopkeeper as Rita’s condition worsened. He later reported the incident to hospital management.

According to his complaint, the family was harassed and forced to endure great suffering as nurses refused to look after his wife and continue the delivery until they received money. Recounting the harrowing experience, Pratap said the family was preparing to welcome a new member but had to endure acute grief. “My wife was about to give birth and I sent her to the hospital here after she went into labor. But the nurses demanded 5000 rupees for the birth of our child. Since I had no money, I had to borrow money from the seller,” he said. told the media.

In response to the complaint, hospital authorities said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty. “Such unethical practices will not be tolerated and anyone found engaging in such acts will be subject to severe penalties. The investigation is ongoing and all necessary measures will be taken,” they said.