A deeply distressing incident unfolded at the Sonamukhi Rural Hospital in Bankura district, West Bengal, on November 18, 2024, when a woman, who was reportedly six months pregnant, delivered her premature baby in the hospital’s washroom without any medical assistance. In a tragic twist, the newborn was allegedly snatched by a stray dog that had wandered onto the hospital grounds. The shocking event has raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare facilities and hospital security in West Bengal.
Woman Delivers Baby Alone in Hospital Washroom
The incident took place when Priya Roy, a resident of the village Kochdihi, arrived at the Sonamukhi Rural Hospital after experiencing severe labor pains. Upon admission, Priya was asked to provide a urine sample, but instead of receiving immediate medical attention, she unexpectedly gave birth in a hospital washroom.
Family members, who were present with Priya, claim that they repeatedly called for medical assistance, but no hospital staff arrived in time to help. The newborn, a premature baby, was reportedly left unattended in the washroom as the family focused on securing aid for Priya.
Shortly after, the family alleges that a stray dog, roaming the hospital premises, entered the washroom and took the baby in its mouth, running away before anyone could intervene. Despite attempts to chase the dog, the newborn could not be retrieved.
The Role of Negligence and Infrastructure Gaps
This incident has sparked outrage over the apparent negligence of the hospital staff and the hospital’s inadequate infrastructure. The family insists that they were left without assistance despite their repeated requests for help, pointing to a severe lapse in the hospital’s protocols and staff responsiveness.
In the aftermath of the incident, Priya was transferred to the Bishnupur Super-Speciality Hospital for further treatment. Hospital authorities have promised a full investigation into the matter, but tensions remain high. In response to the allegations, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) in Bishnupur, Minakshi Maity, stated that preliminary investigations revealed discrepancies in the family’s version of events, including questions about the baby’s gestational age. Maity also dismissed the authenticity of a photo provided by the family, calling it “fabricated.”
However, Priya, the mother, firmly rejected these claims, stating that she was six months pregnant when the incident occurred, and reiterated her account of the events.
Political Fallout and Public Outrage
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and social media users across the nation. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Pratima Bhoumik condemned the event as a tragic reflection of the state of healthcare in West Bengal under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Sharing a photo of the dog carrying the newborn, Bhoumik wrote, “A pregnant woman gave birth in a toilet, with no medical help, and a stray dog snatched the newborn.” Her tweet has been widely circulated, highlighting the severity of the negligence.
BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, took to social media to further criticize the Mamata Banerjee-led government, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and a reflection of the crumbling medical facilities in the state. Malviya also noted the presence of stray animals, such as dogs and cats, roaming freely within the hospital premises, which he argued compounded the tragic outcome of the incident.
Authorities Take Action Amidst Growing Pressure
Following the incident, the police were called to investigate, and officers from Sonamukhi Police Station visited the hospital to gather evidence. Representatives from the Bishnupur Health District, including two Deputy CMOHs, conducted their own probe, questioning staff members and examining the hospital’s conditions. The local police have launched an inquiry into the incident, but no arrests or formal charges have been reported as of yet.
Protests from doctors and healthcare workers in the state, calling for better infrastructure and safety measures, have added another layer of urgency to this case.
Calls for Better Healthcare and Protection for Patients
This horrific event is not an isolated case of negligence but part of a larger pattern of concerns surrounding healthcare facilities in West Bengal. The tragic death of a young doctor earlier this year, coupled with this shocking incident, has brought renewed attention to the gaps in the state’s medical infrastructure.
Local activists and politicians have expressed concern that such incidents reflect deeper systemic issues within the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas. The government’s failure to provide adequate medical facilities, timely interventions, and proper hospital security has become a major point of contention..
Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Need for Reform
The harrowing incident at Sonamukhi Rural Hospital serves as a tragic reminder of the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural India, particularly in West Bengal. It underscores the need for urgent reforms in the healthcare sector, including the provision of adequate staff, better training, and improved safety measures at hospitals.