Malda Medical College makes night admission mandatory for pregnant woman

Malda: In a major step aimed at preventing a recurrence of a recent childbirth incident that triggered widespread criticism, Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) has issued a strict directive stating that no pregnant woman arriving at the hospital with labour pain during night hours can be denied admission under any circumstances.

Under the new instructions, all expectant mothers seeking medical attention at night must be provided with appropriate medical care and accommodation, even if doctors assess that delivery is not imminent. 

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According to the news reports, the directive was issued by Medical College Superintendent Dr Ganesh Chandra Gayen on November 6, following widespread criticism over an incident in which a pregnant woman delivered a baby at the hospital's night shelter after allegedly being denied admission to the maternity ward.

The incident took place on November 4. The woman, a resident of Raniganj in Gazole block, was brought to the Matri Maa department at around 9.15 pm on November 3 after developing labour pains.

However, she was allegedly denied admission to the maternity ward. Subsequently, her family members took shelter at the hospital's night shelter, where she delivered a baby girl at around 2.30 am. The situation reportedly became more distressing when family members had to carry the mother and newborn on a sack to the hospital ward due to the unavailability of a trolley, exposing both to potential health risks.

The incident triggered widespread criticism over the hospital's handling of the case and raised questions about the availability of emergency maternity care and patient support facilities.

Speaking to the Millennium Post, Gayen said an internal inquiry was underway, and statements of the doctors on duty had been recorded. The doctors reportedly maintained that the woman was examined first by a house staff member and subsequently by a senior doctor, who found that delivery was not imminent. They claimed that the family had voluntarily signed a document and left. “The investigation is yet to be completed. However, the outcome of the incident was certainly very unfortunate,” Gayen said.

He added that the new directive clearly requires the hospital to admit pregnant women arriving during night hours, irrespective of whether delivery is expected immediately.

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