Dalit woman’s roadside delivery sparks dispute over alleged hospital discrimination

A roadside delivery by a Dalit woman outside a government hospital in Bhadohi has prompted political criticism and allegations of caste discrimination in Uttar Pradesh. Rani Vanvasi, 20, gave birth near the entrance of the government district hospital on September 29 after her family alleged that staff failed to admit her and did not provide timely treatment. Women accompanying her used saris or a sheet to give her privacy while she delivered beside the road.

The incident drew wider attention after a video circulated online. The family alleged that hospital personnel denied treatment because of Vanvasi’s caste, prompting Opposition parties to accuse the state’s administrative system of tolerating untouchability. Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’, a spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, said the family had explicitly alleged that staff failed to provide timely care and refused admission because of caste affiliation.

Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu called the incident unacceptable in a civilised society. The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer gave a different account of parts of the incident. The officer said Vanvasi had a haemoglobin level of about five grams per decilitre, indicating severe anaemia, and had been referred to a higher-level facility in Mirzapur.

Labour began before that transfer could be completed, the officer said. The officer said medical assistance was provided after officials learned what had happened and that both mother and infant were healthy and recovering at the district hospital. Disciplinary action was taken against personnel found guilty of partial negligence, the Chief Medical Officer said.

The officer also said that other statements made about the incident were untrue. The supplied material does not identify the staff members disciplined or describe any further investigation into the caste allegations.