Woman, newborn die in ‘phone-assisted’ delivery in Ayodhya; hospital sealed

A 32-year-old woman and her newborn allegedly died following a delivery conducted by untrained staff at a private hospital in Ayodhya, with the attending doctor reportedly guiding the procedure over the phone, officials and family members said on 2 April.

The incident occurred late on 1 April at Maa Parmeshwari Devi Memorial Hospital in Faizabad. Authorities have sealed the facility and initiated an investigation.

Allegations by family

The deceased, Soni Yadav, was admitted after developing labour pain, her husband Suresh Yadav said.

He alleged that the attending doctor, Anjali Shrivastava, was not present during the delivery and instead directed a staff member over the phone.

“After about half an hour, the staff handed over the baby and said he was not breathing,” he said, adding that the newborn was declared dead by another doctor.

He further alleged that his wife’s condition deteriorated soon after and she was taken to another hospital, where she was declared dead.

The family has accused the hospital of negligence, claiming that no qualified doctor was present during the delivery.

Health department action

A team led by Ashutosh Shrivastava, Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO), inspected the facility following complaints.

Officials said no doctor or trained medical staff were found present during the inspection. A person identified as Mahesh Singh, claiming to be the hospital manager, was overseeing operations.

The ACMO said three women who had undergone caesarean sections were admitted at the time, with their care allegedly left to the manager.

Irregularities found

Authorities said hospital records were incomplete, the doctor’s credentials were not produced and medical waste management norms were not followed.

“The hospital has been sealed and patients shifted to the district women’s hospital,” the ACMO said.

He added that further investigation is underway and an FIR will be registered if negligence is established. Officials said the doctor concerned is currently untraceable.

The victim had been married in April last year and the family was expecting their first child.

“Our happiness has been shattered due to the hospital’s negligence,” Suresh Yadav said, demanding strict action against those responsible.

The probe is ongoing.