Maiya Samman yojana under fire after woman gives birth on street due to hospital refusal

A recent incident outside Ranchi's Sadar Hospital has highlighted severe healthcare issues in Jharkhand. A pregnant woman, Gulshan Khatoon, was denied admission and forced to give birth on the road due to a lack of ambulance services.

Author
Shantanu Poswal
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Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. (ANI)

Jharkhand: As the year-end assembly elections approach, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's administration in Jharkhand is heavily promoting the 'Maiya Samman Yojana,' which is positioned as a women's empowerment initiative. Despite this, the reality for many women, especially those from poor, backward, or tribal communities, is far from empowering. Jharkhand’s healthcare system is under severe strain, with numerous reports of women struggling to receive basic medical care.

On October 11, a tragic incident outside Ranchi's Sadar Hospital highlighted the glaring deficiencies in the state's healthcare infrastructure. Gulshan Khatoon, a pregnant woman, was denied admission to the hospital and forced to give birth on the road after complications arose. She was referred to RIMS but could not secure an ambulance, sparking widespread outrage.

Public criticism and healthcare failures

This case has exposed the deep-rooted problems within Jharkhand’s healthcare system under Hemant Soren’s leadership. Social media users quickly voiced their concerns. One user pointed out that such incidents negate the need for schemes like the 'Maiya Samman Yojana,' questioning the effectiveness of these initiatives if basic healthcare remains inaccessible.

Another individual criticized the healthcare system's failure to serve Dalit and tribal communities, sharing stories of patients denied admission and forced to deliver on the roadside. These concerns have prompted widespread criticism of government healthcare policies.

Government response and scrutiny

In response to public outcry, Hemant Soren’s administration has launched an inquiry, with Ranchi's Deputy Commissioner forming a team to investigate possible negligence. Though Gulshan Khatoon's condition is reportedly stable now, the incident has intensified scrutiny on the government's failure to prioritize healthcare reforms.

Critics argue that while financial aid under schemes like Maiya Samman Yojana exists, essential services such as ambulance availability and proper hospital care are lacking. Hospitals across the state face severe shortages in both staff and medical equipment, further compounding the healthcare crisis.

Political implications and future challenges

With the opposition BJP seizing the opportunity to attack Soren’s administration, claiming that healthcare promises have not materialized, the issue is gaining political traction. Residents and healthcare workers are echoing these concerns, emphasizing the need for swift and concrete action.

As assembly elections approach, Hemant Soren's administration faces increasing pressure to address these glaring healthcare challenges. The outcome of the elections may hinge on the government's ability to reform its ailing healthcare system and restore public trust.