Mayurbhanj (Odisha): A pregnant woman died on Saturday while being shifted to a hospital via an ambulance which allegedly ran out of fuel. The incident took place in Baripada town of Odisha's Mayurbhanj.
Reportedly, the pregnant woman was admitted to Bangiriposhi Hospital initially. Later, she was being shifted to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital (PRMMCH) in Baripada when she lost her life on the way.
Tulsi Munda, the wife of Chittaranjan Munda of Handa village, complained of labour pain on Friday night following which she was admitted to the Bangiriposhi Community Health Centre. However, the doctors there referred her to PRMMCH as her condition was critical.
While she was being shifted in an ambulance, the vehicle ran out of fuel on the outskirts of Baripada town. Another ambulance reached the spot after 45 minutes. In the meantime, the woman died.
"The vehicle had sufficient fuel but the oil pipe burst on the way which caused leakage of fuel. The patient was also in critical condition. The investigation is underway," said Dr PK Mohapatra, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Baripada.
"The incident is really saddening. I called the doctors at Bangiriposhi hospital, where the deceased woman was initially admitted. Doctors there told me that the driver asserted there was some problem with the fuel pipe," he added.
According to Mohapatra, after the ambulance broke down midway, another ambulance was called at 108 and the woman was shifted to another hospital.
"This is irresponsible behaviour on part of the hospital authority and ambulance staff. They should have checked the ambulance before sending it," said Prakash Soren, MLA Baripada.
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