Mumbai: ‘Cannot Deny Treatment to Pregnant Women Even If They Do Not Have Aadhar Cards’
Mumbai, June 16th 2023: There was an incident recently where a pregnant woman was denied treatment at Rajawadi Hospital in Mumbai because she did not have her husband’s Aadhaar card. This incident sparked a growing outrage against the hospital.
After this incident, many social and patient organisations are coming forward and complaining that pregnant women are denied treatment and check-ups if they do not have an Aadhaar card. As a response to these growing concerns, Dr. Mangala Gomare, Health Executive Officer of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, has given clear orders to ensure that no woman is denied medical services in this regard.
Arogya Janhakka Samiti has mainly come forward for the help of the concerned women. Complaints are being made by the samiti that if there is no Aadhaar card or similar document, pregnant women are not treated or examined.
The incident came to light when a concerned pregnant woman fell into the drain while cleaning it. Subsequently, she was brought to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment. Shockingly, she was sent home as she did not have an Aadhaar card at that time. Before that, she went to Shatabdi Hospital, where also she faced the same experience.
If there is no Aadhaar card, no pregnant woman should be sent back without health facilities, the municipality has ordered. Action will be taken if the order is not followed, Health Executive Officer Dr. Mangala Gomare explained in the circular issued by the health department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
