Delivery in Mumbai Hospital Using Phone Light

Mother and Baby Die After Procedure

In Mumbai, a tragic incident occurred where a pregnant woman and her baby lost their lives during a Caesarean delivery conducted using a cellphone torch. What makes this even more alarming is that this event took place in a hospital operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the wealthiest civic body in India with a budget exceeding Rs. 52,000 crore. 

The health budget allocation stands at 12%, amounting to Rs. 6,250 crore.

Khusruddin Ansari, a specially abled individual without a leg, brought his 26-year-old wife, Sahidun, to the Sushma Swaraj maternity home for her delivery. The couple, married for just 11 months, sought medical care at the facility.

The family has claimed that there was a power outage at the maternity home on Monday, and the generator remained inactive for three hours. They further stated that despite the tragic loss of the mother and child, another delivery was conducted in the darkness.

After days of protesting outside the hospital, the family members have finally prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to launch an inquiry.

'Incision Before Consent'

"My daughter-in-law was completely healthy throughout her nine-month pregnancy, and all her reports were normal," Mrs. Ansari explained. "They brought her in for delivery at 7 am on April 29, and for the entire day, we were assured that all was going well. The doctors even said she would have a normal delivery. However, when I went to see her at 8 pm, I found her covered in blood."

"They made an incision and then came to get a signature, claiming she had a fit and needed a C-section," Mrs. Ansari alleged. "That's when the power went out. Despite this, they didn't transfer us to another hospital. Instead, they took us to the operating theatre and performed the delivery using a phone torch for light. The child did not survive, and when we cried, the doctor told us the mother would survive. However, they later referred us to Sion Hospital, where she had already passed away. There was also no oxygen available," she claimed.

Inconsolable, Mr. Ansari called for justice, demanding that the doctors and staff responsible be punished. "Just as I am suffering, they should suffer too. The hospital should be held accountable and closed," he insisted.

"I seek justice," Mr. Ansari lamented. "I earn a modest income, and being specially abled, I faced many challenges to get married. Now, my life has been shattered," he expressed sorrowfully.

The family also presented photos and videos depicting another delivery being conducted in the same operation theatre, illuminated only by a cellphone torch.

Former BMC councillor Jagruti Patil of the BJP emphasized the necessity for strict action. She mentioned meeting with the party candidate, Mihir Kotecha, representing the Mumbai North East Lok Sabha constituency, where the hospital is situated. Patil highlighted that the BMC has responded by initiating an inquiry.

"The hospital's condition is deplorable. Similar complaints about this hospital have surfaced in the past. It's crucial that strict action is taken," she reiterated.