Haryana woman gives birth in hospital parking area, human rights commission seeks report
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The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken serious note of an incident in Faridabad where a pregnant woman delivered her baby in a hospital parking area under a mobile phone flashlight after finding the gates of a government health centre locked.
In an order dated May 25, the Commission described the incident as a “glaring pathetic situation” and sought detailed reports from senior health officials by August 12. The matter will next be heard on August 19.
The Commission, headed by Justice Lalit Batra, also asked the Civil Surgeon of Faridabad to explain why compensation should not be recommended for what it termed a serious violation of human dignity and human rights.
According to the complaint and media reports placed before the Commission, the woman reached the Government Primary Health Centre in Sector 3, Ballabhgarh, on the night of May 15-16 while in active labour. It was alleged that the main gate of the facility was locked and no immediate medical assistance was available, forcing the family to conduct the delivery in the parking area.
Photographs showing the delivery taking place under mobile phone torchlight triggered public outrage.
The Commission observed that if the allegations were true, they pointed to a disturbing failure of the public healthcare system. It said the incident resembled “primitive times” when childbirth took place without institutional medical support.
The Commission also noted that the case raised concerns over rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, dignity, and emergency medical care.
It directed the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, the Director General of Health Services, the Civil Surgeon of Faridabad, and the PHC in-charge to submit responses regarding staff availability during night hours, emergency access arrangements, and obstetric protocols.
Following the incident, the Haryana Health Department launched a high-level inquiry and ordered round-the-clock opening of OPD and emergency gates at the facility. Authorities also directed that an ambulance be stationed permanently at the centre. Officials said both the mother and newborn are healthy.