Authorities have taken action against the medical superintendent and three staff members of the Sonbarsa Community Health Centre in Ballia after a disturbing video showing a woman giving birth under the open sky on hospital premises sparked public outrage.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Sanjeev Varman, who conducted a spot investigation on Friday, confirmed “gross negligence and incompetence” on the part of the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Rajesh Kumar. He noted that neither the night guard nor medical personnel were on duty at the time of the incident. Most of the staff, including doctors and health workers, were reportedly sleeping at home instead of attending their shifts.
The incident occurred around 2:30 am when a woman in labour arrived at the hospital by ambulance, only to find the facility locked and deserted. With no help available, she delivered her child on the verandah floor, in the open air near the hospital gate. A nurse reportedly appeared later but allegedly refused proper assistance and sent the family back home without registering the case.
Reacting strongly, CMO Varman has recommended action against Dr Rajesh Kumar to the Director General of Health Services. Additional disciplinary steps have already been taken:
- Dr Vyas Kumar, Medical Officer, transferred to Garhwar
- Rajesh Kumar, Superintendent, transferred to Rigwan
- Staff Nurse Priyanka Singh, transferred to Narhi
- Staff Nurse Kanchan, transferred to Jaiprakash Nagar
The incident has led to political backlash. Samajwadi Party MLA Jai Prakash Anchal demanded strict punishment for those responsible. Vijay Laxmi, daughter of former BJP MP Bharat Singh, also staged a sit-in protest at the hospital on Friday, demanding accountability.
The viral video continues to draw criticism across social media platforms, with many questioning the state of rural healthcare and staff accountability.