Woman delivers baby in ambulance; concern raised over lack of facilities in hospital, poor road
Palghar (PTI): A 25-year-old woman with pregnancy complications delivered a baby in an ambulance with the help of a doctor onboard while being shifted from a rural hospital here to neighbouring Thane, officials said on Tuesday.
The Wada Rural Hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar district lacks specialised facilities for managing such critical maternity cases, its medical superintendent Dr Yadav Shekhare told PTI.
The "poor road conditions" further complicated the process of shifting the woman to a hospital in Thane for better care, he said.
The woman, Kalyani Bhoye, having intense labour pains, was brought to the rural hospital by her family early morning on December 13, he said.
The doctor on duty found the foetus' heartbeat was erratic and the child had already passed meconium (stool) in the womb, which is often a sign of foetal distress, the official said.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the attending doctor referred the woman immediately to the Thane Civil Hospital, located 75 km away, for advanced treatment.
The woman was promptly ferried in a fully equipped ambulance with a doctor onboard.
But, just 10 kilometres into the journey, the poor road conditions and bumpy terrain triggered the need for the woman's delivery inside the ambulance, the health official said.
The doctor onboard helped in the safe delivery of a healthy baby boy, he said.
Realising the need for immediate post-delivery care, the ambulance returned to the Wada Rural Hospital, where both the mother and the newborn boy were provided with further medical treatment, Dr Shekhare said, adding that both the mother and son were out of danger.
He said the rural hospital lacks specialised facilities required for such cases. Despite this, the hospital performs up to six deliveries every day, including two to three caesarean sections.
Dr Shekhare emphasised the need for improved infrastructure and equipment to better serve patients in remote areas.
While appreciating the doctors' efforts, he said the "poor road conditions" complicated the process of transporting the woman to Thane.
An explanation would be sought from the duty doctors to document the case, but their actions were in line with the commitment to provide the best possible care, he said.
Dr Shekhare praised the proactive approach of the doctors on duty, highlighting their commitment to saving lives despite limited facilities at the hospital.
"The doctors did not hesitate to refer the patient to a higher medical facility, prioritising her safety. Their decision, coupled with the presence of a doctor in the ambulance, ensured a smooth delivery under challenging conditions," he said.
After the woman's return to Wada hospital, a paediatrician promptly attended to the newborn, ensuring his health and stability, he added.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
