Gadchiroli, Jan 3: A 24 year old pregnant woman died in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district after walking nearly six kilometres through forest terrain to seek medical help for childbirth, highlighting once again the poor connectivity and inadequate healthcare facilities in remote tribal areas.
The woman, identified as Asha Santosh Kiranga, was a resident of Aaldandi Tola village in Etapalli taluka and was nine months pregnant, officials said on Friday.
According to officials, Aaldandi Tola village is cut off from the main road and lacks facilities for institutional deliveries, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical care. Hoping to get timely assistance, Asha set out on January 1 with her husband, trekking six kilometres through jungle paths to reach her sister’s house in nearby Petha.
“The physical strain of walking in such an advanced stage of pregnancy took a toll on her body,” an official said.
On the morning of January 2, the woman developed severe labour pains and was rushed by ambulance to Kali Ammal Hospital in Hedri. Doctors decided to perform a caesarean operation, but by the time she reached the hospital, it was too late.
“The baby had already died in the womb. Due to rising blood pressure, the woman too passed away soon after,” the official said.
Gadchiroli District Health Officer Dr Pratap Shinde said the woman had been registered under maternal health services through ASHA workers. He said the sudden complications were likely triggered by the strenuous walk.
“Doctors tried to save her, but were unsuccessful. A detailed report has been called for from the taluka health officer, and the matter will be investigated,” Dr Shinde said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the lack of road connectivity and basic healthcare infrastructure in remote villages of Gadchiroli district, where expectant mothers often face severe risks in accessing timely medical care.
