Healthcare crisis in Jharkhand: Pregnant woman forced to give birth on road sparks outrage as elections loom

PTC News Desk: As the year-end assembly elections approach in Jharkhand, the Hemant Soren administration is actively promoting the 'Maiya Samman Yojana,' a scheme that Chief Minister Hemant Soren has described as a significant women's empowerment initiative. However, the state's women—particularly those from poor, backward, and tribal communities—face immense challenges, with the state's inadequate healthcare system leaving many to struggle for even basic medical care.

A recent incident outside Ranchi's Sadar Hospital has brought attention to the severity of the healthcare crisis in Jharkhand. On October 11, 2024, a pregnant woman named Gulshan Khatoon was denied admission to the hospital and forced to give birth on the roadside. She was referred to RIMS (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences) due to delivery complications but was unable to secure an ambulance. The harrowing incident has sparked widespread criticism of the state’s healthcare system, raising questions about the efficacy of government services under Hemant Soren's leadership.

This incident exposed the systemic deficiencies in healthcare services, particularly under the Hemant Soren administration, and has prompted outrage on social media. Many users have expressed their frustration, with one commenter pointing out that schemes like the Maiya Samman Yojana wouldn't be necessary if basic healthcare facilities were adequately provided. Another user highlighted the struggles faced by Dalits and tribals in accessing medical treatment, recounting how a woman had to deliver her baby on the road after being refused admission.

In response to the public outcry, the Jharkhand government has initiated an investigation into the matter. The Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi has formed a team to look into any negligence that may have occurred during the incident. While Gulshan Khatoon's condition is reportedly stable, the situation could have had far more severe consequences, further emphasizing the critical flaws in the healthcare system.

The lack of proper healthcare facilities has intensified scrutiny on Hemant Soren's administration. Critics argue that while schemes like Maiya Samman Yojana provide financial aid, they do not address the more pressing issues of women’s safety and healthcare access. The availability of ambulances and hospital services is also a significant concern.

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State of Healthcare in Jharkhand

The overall state of government hospitals in Jharkhand is alarming. Many facilities lack basic amenities, with patients often forced to endure unhygienic conditions as they await treatment. Medical equipment is outdated, leading to delays in treating critical patients. For example, a recent incident in Dhanbad saw a patient turned away because the hospital lacked proper equipment.

The shortage of medical personnel exacerbates the problem further. Despite a population of around 4.06 crore, there are not enough doctors and nurses in government hospitals. On average, Jharkhand has just one doctor and three nurses per lakh of the population, which is insufficient to meet the growing healthcare needs of its citizens.

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Political Ramifications

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the opportunity to criticize the Hemant Soren administration over these healthcare failures. BJP leaders argue that while the government has announced various welfare schemes, they have not translated into real, on-the-ground improvements. Health workers and local residents echo these concerns, calling for the proper implementation of healthcare initiatives rather than just financial aid programs.

With assembly elections looming, the pressure is mounting on Hemant Soren’s government to address these healthcare challenges effectively. Without significant reforms, the growing public dissatisfaction over the state’s healthcare system could influence the electoral outcomes, putting the current administration at risk of losing public support.

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