Saraikela (Jharkhand): A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has come to light at the Rajnagar Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jharkhand's Saraikela-Kharsawan district, where a delivery was conducted using mobile phone torchlight due to a power outage.

The mother and her newborn died during treatment.

Taking serious note of the incident, the district administration has formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter.

What happened?
Binita Banra, a community health worker from Hatishiring area, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday for delivery. According to a complaint filed by her husband, Durga Charan Banra, the hospital experienced a power outage when she went into labour on Thursday night.

"There was no generator or inverter facility at the hospital. Doctors and nurses conducted the delivery using mobile phone torchlights. Due to their negligence, my wife and our baby boy died," he alleged.

Doctors' explanation
Hospital in-charge Dr Shyam Soren said that there was heavy rain accompanied by thunder at the time, which led to a disruption in the power supply. "Unfortunately, the solar system, inverter, and generator also failed due to technical issues. The death occurred due to excessive bleeding after delivery," he stated.

Probe ordered
Deputy Commissioner Nitish Kumar Singh said an inquiry would be conducted to determine why the delivery was carried out using mobile light despite the availability of inverter, solar power, and generator facilities. He added that a committee led by SDM Abhinav Prakash has been asked to submit its report by the evening.