Jharkhand’s ‘Maiya Samman’ Scheme Criticized as Woman Gives Birth Without Hospital Access

As Jharkhand gears up for its year-end assembly elections, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is heavily promoting the ‘Maiya Samman Yojana,’ a scheme billed as a major step towards women’s empowerment. While Soren touts this initiative, women in the state, especially those from marginalized and tribal communities, continue to face grave obstacles. The state’s healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate, leaving many residents without access to essential medical services.

A recent incident has drawn attention to these issues at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital, where a woman named Gulshan Khatoon was forced to deliver her baby on the roadside after being denied hospital admission. Referred to RIMS due to complications, she found herself stranded without an ambulance. This incident, which took place on October 11th, has ignited widespread criticism of Jharkhand’s healthcare provisions under the current administration.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the incident, shedding light on the gaps within Jharkhand’s healthcare services. Several users have expressed their outrage, noting that if the hospital provided adequate basic care, programs like the Maiya Samman Yojana might not be needed. The outcry has highlighted the significant limitations within the healthcare sector, especially under the Soren government’s oversight.

Critics have also pointed out that these healthcare deficiencies disproportionately impact Dalit and tribal communities, who often face barriers to accessing treatment. One user shared their frustration over the state of healthcare, mentioning how a woman was forced to deliver her baby on the road after being denied hospital care. This incident has spurred debate about the efficacy of government programs and the true state of healthcare policies in Jharkhand.

The public outcry has prompted Hemant Soren’s government to launch an investigation into the incident. The Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi has set up a team to look into the circumstances surrounding the case and any potential negligence. While Gulshan Khatoon’s condition is currently stable, this situation underscores the need for urgent improvements to prevent similar incidents.

This episode has further amplified scrutiny of the Soren administration, with critics arguing that financial assistance schemes like Maiya Yojana are not enough when essential services like healthcare are left wanting. The availability and reliability of ambulances and emergency hospital services have come under particular scrutiny in the wake of this incident.

The state of Jharkhand’s public healthcare facilities is an ongoing concern. Many government hospitals operate without basic amenities and maintain poor hygiene standards, forcing patients to endure unsanitary conditions while waiting for care. In Dhanbad, for example, a patient was recently denied treatment due to a lack of necessary medical equipment, showcasing the systemic issues plaguing healthcare services.

The healthcare sector’s challenges are further compounded by a shortage of medical personnel. Despite a population of approximately 4.06 crore, Jharkhand has a glaring deficit in doctors and nurses within its government hospitals. On average, only one doctor and three nurses are available per one lakh residents, revealing a severe imbalance in the distribution of healthcare resources.

The political implications of these healthcare failures are already being felt, with opposition parties, particularly the BJP, seizing the opportunity to criticize the Hemant government. They argue that while schemes have been launched with much fanfare, they have yet to translate into real, on-the-ground improvements. Local communities and healthcare professionals are echoing these sentiments, stressing that proper implementation and systemic reform are sorely needed.

With elections fast approaching, Hemant Soren’s administration is under increasing pressure to address these healthcare challenges. Without tangible reforms, voter dissatisfaction could play a significant role in shaping the election results, putting the government’s future in jeopardy.

Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/jharkhand-maiya-samman-outrage-as-woman-gives-birth-outside-hospital-011-3959815.html