Jharkhand News: Six-Month Pregnant Woman Gives Birth in Ambulance While Traveling to Ranchi’s RIMS

Dhanbad, January 03, 2025: In a remarkable incident, a six-months-pregnant woman traveling from Dhanbad to Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) gave birth to a premature baby in an ambulance. The woman, identified as Annu Devi, hailing from Gopalganj in Nirsa, was en route to RIMS for treatment of a neurological condition when she went into labor unexpectedly.

Emergency Delivery En Route to RIMS

The journey to RIMS began after doctors at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) in Dhanbad referred Annu Devi to the state capital for advanced care. While the ambulance was passing through Putki, she experienced severe labor pains. With no time to reach a medical facility, the ambulance staff assisted in the delivery, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

The newborn, delivered prematurely at just six months, was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital in Putki for initial care and cleaning. Subsequently, the baby and mother were transferred back to SNMMCH for further evaluation and treatment.

Premature Baby Admitted to NICU

Given the premature birth, the newborn was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at SNMMCH. Medical professionals confirmed that the baby’s condition was critical due to its early delivery but expressed optimism about the care being provided.

NICU facilities are equipped to handle such cases, offering specialized care for premature babies who require constant monitoring and advanced medical support.

Neurological Condition Prompted Referral

Annu Devi was initially admitted to SNMMCH for treatment of a neurological condition. Her pregnancy, already considered high-risk due to her health complications, required advanced medical attention. Doctors decided to transfer her to RIMS, a premier medical institution in Jharkhand, to ensure better management of her condition.

The unexpected delivery mid-journey underscored the need for robust emergency medical services, especially for high-risk patients requiring intercity transfers.

Ambulance Staff Praised for Quick Action

The timely intervention by the ambulance staff played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both mother and child. The driver and medical assistant demonstrated commendable presence of mind in handling the emergency situation.

Local authorities and medical professionals have lauded their efforts, highlighting the importance of well-trained ambulance personnel in critical cases.

Rising Need for Enhanced Medical Infrastructure

This incident has reignited discussions about the need for improved medical infrastructure and emergency services in Jharkhand. The lack of advanced facilities in smaller towns often necessitates referrals to larger cities like Ranchi, posing significant challenges during transit.

Healthcare experts have called for better-equipped ambulances and training programs for emergency medical technicians to handle such situations more effectively.

Community Response

The local community expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While they praised the ambulance staff’s quick response, they also raised concerns about the challenges faced by patients requiring long-distance transfers for medical care.

Efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in regions like Dhanbad and Nirsa could significantly reduce the risks associated with such emergencies.

Key Takeaways

This case emphasizes the critical role of well-coordinated emergency medical services and the importance of equipping smaller towns with advanced healthcare facilities to minimize such risks in the future.