Quadruplets die after birth in autorickshaw in MP; family cites ambulance delay

In a tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district, a 28-year-old woman gave birth to quadruplets inside an autorickshaw while being rushed to a hospital, after reportedly not receiving an ambulance in time. All four premature newborns died shortly after birth.

The incident took place on Tuesday in Naiganwa village under Bichhiya block. Rajni Singram, the mother, developed severe labour pain during the seventh month of her pregnancy. According to the family, they first contacted the 108 ambulance service, but when no vehicle arrived, they arranged a private autorickshaw to take her to the Ghutas Primary Health Centre.

After initial treatment, doctors referred her to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Bichhiya. However, before the autorickshaw could reach the hospital, Rajni delivered the four babies inside the vehicle. All four newborns were premature and did not survive.

Doctors at the CHC stated that the deaths were due to prematurity, as the babies were born at seven months. However, the family has alleged that the lack of an available ambulance directly led to the delays and the subsequent deaths. They expressed grief and frustration over the emergency response system.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare access in rural areas of India, where ambulance services are often inadequate. The state health department has been asked to look into the matter.