Haryana News: The Haryana Human Rights Commission has sought detailed reports from health authorities after a woman allegedly delivered her baby under torchlight in the parking area of a government health facility in Faridabad’s Ballabhgarh area. The commission described the incident as disturbing, inhuman, and a serious concern related to human dignity and access to emergency healthcare.
Hospital Gates Allegedly Found Closed During Emergency
According to reports placed before the commission, the woman was taken to the Government Primary Health Centre in Sector-3, Ballabhgarh, during the night of May 15–16 while experiencing labour pain. Her family allegedly found the hospital gate locked and immediate medical assistance unavailable. As a result, the delivery reportedly took place in the hospital parking area under mobile phone torchlight before staff arrived.
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Commission Questions Healthcare Lapses
The commission, headed by Justice Lalit Batra, questioned the implementation of maternal healthcare services under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), which guarantees free and safe institutional deliveries at government hospitals. It observed that if the allegations are found to be true, the incident could amount to a violation of rights protected under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, dignity, health, and emergency medical care.
Detailed Reports Sought From Officials
The rights body has directed senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Director General Health Services, Civil Surgeon of Faridabad, and the hospital in-charge, to submit reports regarding staffing, emergency protocols, availability of doctors and nurses during night shifts, and action taken against those responsible.
Action Taken After Incident
Following the controversy, health authorities reportedly terminated a National Health Mission employee, suspended a security guard, and transferred a staff nurse. Officials have stated that both the mother and newborn are currently stable.
Questions Raised Over Public Healthcare Services
The incident has triggered wider concerns regarding emergency maternal healthcare services and hospital accessibility during night hours. The commission noted that such circumstances raise serious questions about the effectiveness of public healthcare infrastructure and the delivery of essential medical services to patients in critical situations.
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