Sundargarh, Mar 28: A nursing staff at District Headquarters’ Hospital (DHH) in Odisha’s Sundargarh district has allegedly demanded money from the relatives of a woman and refused to release a newborn unless the family paid the amount.
The victim's family, along with some ASHA workers, also alleged that the accused staff kept the baby away from the mother for nearly 40 minutes until the money was paid.
According to the report, one Mangi Oram, wife of Rajendra Oram was admitted to the MCH wing of the DHH on Wednesday. She delivered a baby boy on Thursday at around 10:55 am and was then moved to the Obstetrics ward. The family was informed that the baby had been taken for a health inspection, but the nursing staff allegedly demanded Rs 1000 from Rajendra and refused to hand over the baby unless he paid the amount.
Due to a shortage of money, Rajendra offered them Rs 500, but they firmly rejected it and insisted on Rs 1000. Shockingly, they kept the baby away from the mother for about 40 minutes.
As the baby was kept away from the mother immediately following the birth, the ASHAs present, along with the family, protested. They accused the medical staff of exploiting the situation and making a business out of the babies.
The incident was widely condemned, and the family has demanded strict action against the staff for keeping the newborn away from her mother.
