NEW DELHI: A 25-year-old expectant mother experiencing pregnancy complications delivered her baby in an ambulance whilst being transported from a rural hospital to Thane, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.
Dr Yadav Shekhare, medical superintendent of Wada Rural Hospital in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, informed about the facility’s lack of specialised equipment for critical maternity cases.
Kalyani Bhoye arrived at the rural hospital with severe labour pains early on December 13. Her family brought her to the facility for immediate medical attention.
The attending physician discovered irregular foetal heartbeat and meconium presence in the womb, indicating foetal distress, according to the official.
Given the critical nature of the case, the medical team immediately referred the patient to Thane Civil Hospital, situated 75 kilometres away, for advanced care.
The patient was transported in a fully-equipped ambulance with medical staff present.
However, the challenging road conditions necessitated an emergency delivery inside the ambulance just 10 kilometres into the journey, as reported by the health official.
The attending doctor successfully assisted in delivering a healthy male infant.
The ambulance returned to Wada Rural Hospital for immediate post-natal care, where both mother and child received further treatment. Dr Shekhare confirmed their stable condition.
He noted that despite limited specialised facilities, the hospital manages up to six deliveries daily, including two to three caesarean sections.
Dr Shekhare stressed the importance of enhanced infrastructure and equipment for rural healthcare delivery.
Whilst commending the medical team’s efforts, he acknowledged the impact of poor road infrastructure on patient transport to Thane.
He indicated that the duty doctors would need to provide documentation, though their actions aligned with proper medical protocols.
Dr Shekhare commended the duty doctors’ proactive approach and dedication despite the facility’s limitations.
“The medical team appropriately referred the patient to advanced care, prioritising patient safety. The presence of medical staff in the ambulance enabled successful delivery despite challenging circumstances,” he stated.
Upon return to Wada hospital, a paediatrician provided immediate care to ensure the newborn’s wellbeing, he concluded
