Nurses Of Odisha Govt Hospital In Dock Over Rs 5K Bribe Demand For Childbirth

Angul: Delivery of a baby turned into a nightmare for a family as they allegedly had to borrow money to pay Rs 5,000 bribe to nurses of a government hospital in Odisha’s Angul district.

The incident was reported from Khamar Community Health Centre (CHC) under Pallahara block.

According to sources, Rita Sahu of a nearby village, was admitted to the CHC after she experienced labour pain. But the nurses there refused to attend to her and instead demanded Rs 5,000 for the delivery. Since Rita’s husband Pratap had no money with him and her condition was worsening, he borrowed Rs 5,000 from a shopkeeper to pay the nurses.

Recounting the harrowing experience, Pratap said that he was made to go through acute distress and added that they returned the money after he lodged a complaint with the hospital authorities.

Khamar health centre medical officer Sasikant Behera told the media that strict action will be taken against all those found guilty. “I have seen a video of them taking the money. We will launch an enquiry and take necessary action against the nurses.”