Delivery Done Under Mobile Light: Jharkhand Orders Probe Into Mother-Newborn Death

The district administration has ordered a probe committee into the death of a mother and her newborn at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Rajnagar , following allegations of medical negligence and critical power failure during delivery .

Deputy Commissioner Nitish Kumar Singh said a three-member inquiry team , headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and including senior health officials and a gynaecologist, has been tasked to investigate the incident and submit a report at the earliest. The panel will examine both the medical cause of death and infrastructure lapses .

The victim’s husband alleged that his wife Binita Banra, a community health worker, was admitted for delivery on Thursday night when a sudden power outage forced the procedure to be conducted using a mobile phone flashlight , as no proper lighting was available.

He further claimed that despite the hospital having multiple backup systems including inverter, diesel generator, and solar power unit , none functioned during the emergency. He also alleged delayed medical attention , which worsened the condition after childbirth.

Hospital in-charge Dr Shyam Soren said a storm caused a power disruption , while technical faults affected backup systems. He stated the death was due to postpartum haemorrhage , a severe complication leading to excessive bleeding.

However, the incident has raised serious concerns over rural healthcare preparedness , with questions over maintenance of essential emergency systems.

BJP state president Aditya Sahu criticised the government, calling the incident evidence of a collapsed healthcare system and alleged repeated negligence in state hospitals.

Officials confirmed the probe will also assess staff response, emergency handling, and possible delays in treatment , with strict action expected based on findings. The investigation is currently underway.