Young mother dies after childbirth as ambulance fails to reach Chandrapur village with no road access | Nagpur News

Chandrapur: A 25-year-old woman from a remote village in Chandrapur district died after childbirth when an ambulance failed to reach her in time due to absence of a motorable road, highlighting the deadly consequences of poor infrastructure even decades after independence.The deceased, identified as Sangeeta Gedam, was a resident of Ghodankappi, a remote settlement in hilly Jiwati taluka near the Telangana border. Nearly 78 years after India gained Independence, such distressing incidents continue to emerge from isolated rural regions where lack of basic connectivity denies citizens timely access to essential healthcare services.The incident unfolded when Sangeeta went into labour during the eighth month of her pregnancy. While childbirth is usually expected around the 40th week, she began experiencing labour pains during the 33rd week. Despite being in pain throughout the day, her family did not inform health authorities or seek medical help.On June 14, after delivering her baby at home, Sangeeta developed severe postpartum bleeding. Only then did her family contact the health department.An ambulance was immediately dispatched to the nearest accessible point atop a hill near the village. However, due to absence of a road beyond that point, it could not reach her. As family members struggled to bring the woman to the waiting ambulance through the difficult terrain, valuable time was lost. Before she could receive medical treatment, Sangeeta succumbed to excessive blood loss.Despite the tragedy, health authorities were able to save the newborn baby girl. The infant, weighing approximately 2.2 kg, is reported to be healthy and stable.According to district health officer Dr Ashok Katare, the village lies deep within a valley in a highly inaccessible area and has a small population of around 60 to 80 people. Although govt had constructed houses on higher ground and initiated a rehabilitation plan, none of the families agreed to relocate over the years.Dr Katare said the village is located close to Telangana border, and residents often cross a nearby stream to access the neigbouring state for daily needs, shopping, and other routine activities.Dr Katare noted that Sangeeta had been under regular medical supervision. Health workers had repeatedly advised her to temporarily relocate either to her maternal home or to Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Patan, where safe delivery arrangements could have been made given the village’s inaccessibility. However, she declined both options.He further stated the premature onset of labour led to an unplanned home delivery, which ultimately resulted in her death. According to him, timely medical intervention could have saved her life had the advice of health officials and ASHA workers been followed.