In a heartbreaking incident, a woman gave birth in the toilet of Nongpoh Civil Hospital in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, and her newborn died shortly after. The tragic event took place on Saturday evening, prompting accusations of negligence from local civil society groups.
The woman, identified as Monalisa Langi from Umden Diwon, first began experiencing labor pains early in the morning and was taken to the nearby Umden Primary Health Centre. After an initial assessment, she was referred to Nongpoh Civil Hospital, where she was admitted around 4 a.m. and provided with initial medical care.
Despite receiving treatment, her labor pains returned with greater intensity later in the day. According to her husband, Richard Rympeit, the hospital staff administered a pain relief pill in the evening, but it did not alleviate her suffering. By around 6 p.m., Monalisa went into labor while in the hospital's toilet and delivered the baby there. Tragically, the newborn did not survive.
Civil society members from the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) have expressed their outrage, accusing the hospital administration of negligence in handling the situation. The group claims that the lack of appropriate medical intervention led to the unfortunate outcome.
As of now, the state health department has not issued an official response or comment on the incident. The death of the newborn has sparked concern in the local community, with calls for a thorough investigation into the hospital’s handling of the case.
This tragic incident underscores the need for improved healthcare services in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to timely and adequate medical care can often make the difference between life and death. The community awaits further updates on the matter, as many seek justice for the family and accountability for the hospital's administration.
The tragic death of the newborn has left the family devastated and raised urgent questions about the state of maternal healthcare in the region. As local communities and civil society groups continue to push for accountability, many are calling for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
